LIBRARY  OF  THE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


PRINCETON,  N.  J. 

Presented  by 


BV  245  .R3  1918 
Rankin,  Isaac  Ogden,  1852' 
Prayers  and  thanksgivings 
for  a  Christian  year 


PRAYERS 
AND  THANKSGIVINGS 


^y  8  1921 

PRAYERS  <^£^M!sf^ 

AND  j 

THANKSGIVINGS       i 

I 

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for  a  Christian  Year  i 


BY       ^ 

ISAAC    OGDEN    RANKIN 

Author  of  "  Closet  and  Altar  " 


THE   PILGRIM   PRESS 

BOSTON  CHICAGO 


Copyright  1918 
By  frank  M.  SHELDON 


THE  PILGRIM  PRESS 

BOSTON 


TO    THE    MEMORY 
OF 


FOREWORD 

Most  of  the  Prayers  and  Thanksgivings  contained 
in  this  book  were  written  from  time  to  time  as  need 
arose  for  the  Devotional  Column  which,  under  the 
title  Closet  and  Altar,  has  for  many  years  been 
one  of  the  departments  of  The  Congregationalist 
and  Christian  World.  With  this  column  the  author 
has  been  connected  for  more  than  twenty  years  as 
contributor  or  editor-in-charge.  Some  of  these 
prayers  have  gone  around  the  world  and  come  back 
in  British,  South  African,  Indian  and  Australian 
publications.  Some  have  been  widely  used  in 
public  worship.  About  fifty  were  included  in 
"  Closet  and  Altar,"  a  book  published  by  The 
Congregationalist  in  1899,  and  long  out  of  print. 
A  selection  for  a  single  month  appeared  under  the 
same  title  and  is  still  on  sale  by  The  Pilgrim  Press. 
From  all  these  books  and  papers  it  seems  time  to 
call  these  wandering  children  home. 

From  the  two  books  just  mentioned  a  majority 
of  the  prayers  have  been  taken  for  republication, 
with  such  revision  as  a  maturer  taste  demanded. 
The  author's  thanks  are  due  to  The  Pilgrim  Press 
for  the  use  of  copyrighted  material. 

The  book  offers  a  prayer  or  thanksgiving  for  each 
day  of  the  year,  with  additional  prayers  for  morning 
and  evening,  for  the  Lord's  Day,  for  special  experi- 
ences of  the  Christian  soul,  for  the  movable  feasts 
of  the  Church  and  other  days  of  observance  and 
remembrance,  and  for  patriotic  occasions  and  experi- 


viii  FOREWORD 

ences.  The  author  ventures  to  hope  that  it  may 
prove  suggestive  and  inspiring  both  for  the  life  of 
the  individual  disciple  and  for  pastors  and  church 
leaders  in  their  work  —  a  hope  that  is  encouraged 
by  much  testimony  accumulated  in  the  course  of 
periodical  publication 

A  selection  of  brief  Scripture  passages  has  been 
added  for  the  enrichment  of  the  book  as  a  manual 
of  private  or  family  devotion.  In  using  these  selec- 
tions the  reader  is  asked  to  remember  the  devotional 
purpose  and  not  to  expect  a  critical  or  historical 
study  or  order  of  choice.  It  would  be  well,  if  time 
permits  to  turn  to  the  passage  quoted  and  read, 
it  in  its  context.  The  compiler  has  used  the  King 
James  and  the  English  Revisers'  texts  with  substi- 
tution of  preferred  translations  or  modernizations, 
such  as  good  tidings  for  gospel,  lovingkindness,  for 
mercy,  steadfastness,  for  patience,  who  for  which  in 
speaking  of  persons  and  the  like.  Most  condensa- 
tions are  indicated.  Thanks  are  due  to  the  holders 
of  the  copyright  of  the  American  Revision  for  the 
use  of  some  renderings,  more  especially  from  its 
margin. 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

At  the  Day's  Beginning,  1 
At  Eventide,  3 
Prayers  and  Thanksgivings  for  a  Chris- 
tian Year,  5 

Observances,  Occasions  and  Experiences 

Observances,  281 

The  Lord's  Day,  1  and  2,  281 

The  Lord's  Table,  282 

The  League  of  Intercession,  283 

The  Dedication  of  a  Church,  284 

For  a  Wedding,  284 

The  Dedication  of  a  House,  285 

The  Home,  1  and  2,  286 

Table  Prayers,  287 

National  Prayer  for  the  New  Year,  289 

The  Beginning  of  Lent,  289 

Little  Prayers  for  Holy  Week,  290 

Good  Friday,  292 

Easter,  1  and  2,  292 

Children's  Sunday,  294 

Pentecost,  294 

Independence  Day,  295 

Thanksgiving,  1,  2  and  3,  296 

Forefathers'  Day,  297 

Christmas,  1  and  2,  298 

In  Illness,  299 

For  Grace  in  Old  Age,  300 
Public  Meetings  and  Conventions,  1  and  2,         300 

For  the  President,  302 

In  Time  of  War,  1  and  2,  302 

In  Time  of  Change,  304 

Soldiers'  Prayers,  305 


PRAYERS 
AND  THANKSGIVINGS 


When  the  Day  Begins 

It  is  of  the  Lord's  lovingkindnesses  that  we  are 
not  consumed,  because  his  compassions  fail  not. 
They  are  new  every  morning;  great  is  thy  faithfulness. 
The  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith  my  soul;  therefore  will 
I  hope  in  him.— Lam.  3  :  22-21^. 

0  God,  whose  mercy  makes  each  morn  a  new 
beginning  of  opportunity  and  strength,  so  uphold 
and  strengthen  us  in  thine  infinite  compassion  that 
we  may  serve  thee  this  day  in  childUke  love  and 
glad  obedience.  If  we  have  sinned  and  wake  to 
consciousness  with  shame  and  contrition  of  heart, 
bring  to  our  thought  the  sense  of  thy  longsuffering 
pity  and  the  promise  of  thy  aid.  Out  of  the  wreck 
of  larger  hopes  and  forfeited  occasions  enable  us  to 
build  our  lives  as  a  temple  to  thine  honor.  In  the 
hour  of  temptation  be  thou  our  shield.  In  the 
uplifting  of  our  joy  be  thou  our  deepest  satisfaction. 
Teach  us  the  lesson  of  self-forgetfulness  that  we 
may  lose  our  gloomy  fears  in  thoughts  of  thee  and  in 
happy  service  to  others.  So  may  our  day  be  spent 
in  quiet  work  and  restful  faith,  to  thine  eternal 
glory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


2         PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

But  I  will  sing  of  thy  strength;  Yea,  I  will  sing 
aloud  of  thy  lovingkindness  in  the  morning.  For 
thou  hast  bee7i  my  high  tower,  and  a  refuge  in  the  day 
of  my  distress.  Unto  thee,  0  my  strength,  will  I  sing 
praises.  —  Psalm  59  :  16. 

We  thank  thee,  Lord,  for  the  new  adventure  of 
this  dawning  hour  and  the  promise  of  thy  favor  until 
eventide.  Help  us  to  go  forth  with  courage  and 
rejoicing  hearts  to  meet  what  thou  this  day  shalt 
send  or  suffer  to  come  upon  us.  I^et  the  passing 
moment  become  the  opportunity  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit.  And  may  we  never  fear  to  undergo  what 
thou  shalt  choose  for  our  enduring,  or  refuse  what 
thou  hast  planned  for  our  enjoyment.  When 
we  are  overwhelmed,  hold  thou  our  hand  and  draw 
our  souls  out  of  the  deep.  When  we  are  weary, 
bring  us  to  thyself  in  refreshing  love  and  give  us 
thy  gifts  in  sleep.  So  this  and  every  day  let  new 
experiences  deepen  assurance  of  thy  love  and  let 
our  courage  be  renewed,  that  we  may  go  with  happy 
and  courageous  hearts  to  life's  adventures  and  never 
lose  our  hold  on  thee.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 


0  Lord,  he  gracious  unto  us;  we  have  waited  for 
thee:  he  thou  their  arm  every  morning,  our  salvation 
also  in  the  time  oftrouhle.  —  Is.  83  :  2. 

0  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  hast  taken 
thought  for  us  in  the  night  watches,  bless  us  also 
in  the  opportunities  of  this  new  day.  Help  us  with 
wiUing  hearts  to  spend  its  moments  in  thy  service. 
In  coming  and  in  going,  in  labor  and  in  rest,  in  care 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS         3 

and  pleasure  grant  us  thy  companionship  for 
s^Tnpathy  and  aid.  If  thou  hast  sorrows  for  us  to 
bear,  pain  to  endure,  losses  to  undergo,  uphold  us 
and  enrich  us  even  in  these  appointed  trials.  If 
thou  hast  joys  to  give  us,  if  the  end  of  labor  in  at- 
tainment is  appointed  for  this  daj'^'s  crown,  if 
cherished  hopes  are  in  thy  mercy  to  be  fulfilled,  if 
pleasures  come,  let  none  of  these  things  turn  our 
hearts  away  from  thee.  If  the  day  in  its  unvarying 
course  brings  no  changes,  through  the  still  hours 
may  the  sunlight  of  thy  presence  glow.  Help  us 
to  bear  true  wdtness  in  simphcity  of  heart,  to  find 
our  joy  in  little  things,  to  help  men  toward  the 
Christlike  life  in  kindly  service  ^nd  to  cherish  high 
ambitions  of  obedience  to  our  Lord.  So  crown  our 
days  wdth  strength  and  peace,  0  God,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  th}^  Son.     Amen. 

At  Eventide 

But  they  constrained  him,  saying,  Abide  with  us: 
for  it  is  toward  evening  arid  the  day  is  far  spent, 
And  he  went  in  to  tarry  with  them.  And  it  came  to 
pass,  when  he  had  sat  down  with  them  to  meat,  he 
took  the  bread  and  blessed  it,  and  brake  arid  gave  to 
them.  And  their  eyes  were  opened  and  they  knew 
him. — Lnke  24  :  29. 

Father  in  heaven,  who  in  thj-  mercj^  hast  provided 
rest  for  wear}'  hearts,  we  thank  thee  for  the  ended 
day  with  its  gracious  opportunities  and  turn  to 
thee  for  thoughts  of  love  and  peace  as  we  go  do\^^l 
into  the  shadowed  vale  of  sleep.  We  bless  thee  for 
the  repose  of  the  spirit,  free  from  worldly  care, 
the  memory  of  friends,  and  happy  thoughts  of  those 


4        PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

who  are  absent  from  the  body  but  present  to  thy 
care  and  love.  Keep  us  in  peace  through  the 
hours  of  darkness,  making  a  Sabbath-quiet  in  our 
hearts.  Wake  us  to  a  new  day  of  thy  presence  and 
thy  help  in  living  the  true  life  of  those  whom  thou 
hast  called  to  be  thy  children.  And  may  we  see 
thy  face  in  everlasting  light  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. 


He  shall  cover  thee  with  Ms  pinions,  and  under  his 
wings  shalt  thou  take  refuge.  Thou  shall  not  be  afraid 
for  the  terror  by  night,  nor  for  the  arrow  that  flieth 
by  day.  —  Psalm  91  :  4- 

I  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace  and  sleep;  for 
thou,  Lord,  only  makest  me  dwell  in  safety.  —  Psalm 
4:8. 

With  the  night  shadows,  Lord,  our  hearts  return 
to  thee.  We  have  walked  through  unseen  dangers, 
and  thou  hast  preserved  us.  We  have  been  tempted, 
and  thou  has  shown  us  the  way  of  escape.  Pardon 
us,  in  thy  lovingkindness,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,  that  we  have  sinned  against  thee 
both  by  transgression  and  neglect,  and  help  us  with 
sincere  repentance  to  forsake  our  sin.  We  bring 
our  fears  and  perplexities,  our  doubts  and  cares,  to 
leave  them  at  thy  mercy  seat.  Grant  us  to  rest 
this  night  with  quiet  hearts  through  faith  in  thine 
abiding  care.  Remember  all  who  are  in  need. 
Quicken  thy  church  with  life  divine.  Have  all  our 
dear  ones  in  thy  holy  keeping,  and  grant  them  gifts 
according  to  thy  love.  And  may  the  quiet  of  the 
evening  and  the  sleep  of  night  bring  strength, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS         5 

Return  unto  thy  rest,  0  rny  soul;  frrr  the  Lord  hath 
dealt  bountifully  with  thee.  Far  thou  hast  delivered 
my  soul  from  death,  mine  eyes  from  tears  and  my  feet 
from  falling. —  Psalm  116  :  7. 

Grant  us  thy  peace,  0  God,  at  eventide.  As  the 
night  shadows  grow  about  the  earth  let  shadows 
of  our  loss  and  fear  depart  and  leave  our  spirits  face 
to  face  with  thee  in  the  sunht  rest  of  faith  and  calm 
repose.  We  would  have  no  secrets  from  thy  love, 
that  reads  all  our  desires  and  all  our  sins  and  griefs. 
Pardon  and  save  and  guide  us  evermore,  and  make 
our  friends  thy  charge  for  Jesus'  sake.  Thou  know- 
est  us  altogether  and  we  rest  content  in  thy  just  love 
and  faithful  care.  Grant  us  with  quiet  hearts 
to  sleep;  with  quickened  trust,  with  joy  that 
wakens  with  the  dawn  to  praise,  to  work  with  thee, 
to  share  thy  widening  plan  and  make  each  day  a 
foretaste  of  the  grace  heaven  brings  thy  children. 
Hear  us,  through  thy  Son,  and  keep  and  bless  us 
all  our  days .     Amen . 

January  1  —  For  the  New  Year  jf 

By  faith  Ahraharn,  when  he  was  called,  obeyed  to 
go  out  unto  a  place  which  he  was  to  receive  for  an 
inheritance:  and  he  went  out,  not  knouing  whither 
he  went.  —  Heb.  11  :  8. 

Eternal  God,  in  whom  is  the  hope  of  all  our  years, 
remember  us  in  thy  mercy  also  in  this  new  year  of 
our  Lord.  Reveal  thy  glor}^  in  the  experience  of 
its  joys  and  sorrows.  Forestall  its  tears  with  the 
abiding  comfort  of  thy  presence.  Make  us  strong 
rightly  to  measure  all  our  gains  and  to  endure  with 


6        PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS  ] 

patience  every  loss  thy  love  allows.  Show  us  thy 
meaning  in  the  gifts  and  opportunities  of  each  new 
day.  Assure  us  of  thy  help  in  labor,  thy  delight  in 
our  joys.  Quicken  our  minds  to  clear  vision  and 
our  hearts  to  cheerful  content.  Provide  for  our 
bodies  such  vigor  as  shall  be  needful  for  our  allotted 
service  on  the  earth.  Come  thou,  as  sharer  of  our 
home  delights,  companion  of  our  friendships,  the 
crown  of  all  rejoicing,  the  hope  of  endurance,  the 
pledge  of  overcoming.  We  leave  to  thee  the  mystery 
of  the  3^ear's  events,  assured  that  thou  wilt  guide 
our  way.  Withhold  from  us  all  gifts  which  would 
prevent  thy  purpose  for  our  growth  in  wisdom  and 
in  service.  Only  deny  us  not  thyself  —  thy  Spirit 
to  instruct  our  hearts,  thy  work  to  share,  thy  peace 
to  still  our  restlessness,  thy  presence  to  resolve  our 
doubts.  In  the  sifting  of  temptation  grant  that 
our  faith  fail  not,  and  when  our  years  are  ended 
bring  us  to  thyself,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

January  2  —  The  Manly  Heart 

Be  strong  and  of  good  courage;  be  not  affrighted, 
7ieither  be  thou  dismayed;  for  the  Lord  thy  God  is  with 
thee  whithersoever  thou  goest.  —  Josh.  1:9. 

Thou  who  hast  made  me  a  man,  help  me  to  offer 
for  thy  service  the  stronger  and  higher  qualities 
of  my  soul.  Let  me  not  think  that  the  wise  God 
desires  to  be  served  by  foolishness  or  that  thou, 
who  hast  made  the  world  and  all  things  in  it,  and 
dost  inform  and  sustain  them  by  thy  Spirit,  lovest 
any  darkness  of  ignorance  or  fearest  to  have  ihy 
children  learn  thy  ways.     Teach  me  how  to  bring 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS         7 

to  the  affairs  of  thy  kingdom  the  same  good  sense 
and  study  of  proportion  which  I  desire  to  use  in 
other  tasks  and  social  relations.  Let  me  be  pure 
in  heart,  high-minded,  just  and  generous.  Keep  me 
from  every  false,  unkind  and  selfish  way.  Let  my 
thoughts  be  without  the  mean  dislikes  of  envy  and 
my  affection  pure  and  constant.  Set  me  free  from 
all  anxiety,  but  help  me  to  be  careful  that  thy  name 
have  no  dishonor  from  my  word  or  deed.  So  use 
my  life  for  the  glory  of  Christ  and  the  upbuilding 
of  his  kingdom.     Amen. 


January  3  —  Venturing  with  God 

Then  said  Jesus  unto  his  disciples,  If  any  man  will 
come  ajter  me,  let  him  take  up  his  cross  and  follow  7ne. 
For  whosoever  will  save  his  life  shall  lose  it,  and  who- 
soever will  lose  his  life  for  my  sake  shall  find  it.— 
Matt.  16  :  2^. 

0  Thou  who  ever  goest  before  thy  flock  like  a 
wise  shepherd,  leading  them  in  ways  of  peace  and 
strength,  help  us  with  ready  hearts  to  listen  for  thy 
voice  and  gladly  follow  thee.  Let  there  be  no  linger- 
ing for  love  of  sin,  no  doubt  for  lack  of  perfect  vision, 
no  resting  in  the  happy  places  of  the  past,  as  if  thy 
love  had  done  its  best  and  had  no  larger  gift  to  offer. 
Teach  us  a  wise  forgetting  of  the  things  that  are 
behind,  that  we  may  press  on  toward  the  goal.  For 
we  believe  that  in  the  way  thou  leadest  light  and 
truth  and  immortality  are  found.  Forgive  the  folly 
of  our  oft-recurring  fears,  and  quicken  us  to  an  un- 
faltering courage  by  the  indwelling  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.    Amen. 


8        PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS         ' 

January  4  —  Helping  Others 

Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Father  of  mercies  and  God  of  all  comfort; 
who  comforteth  us  in  all  our  affliction,  that  we  may  be 
able  to  comfort  them  that  are  in  any  affliction,  through 
the  comfort  wherewith  we  ourselves  are  comforted  of 
God.— 2  Cor.  1:3. 

Blessed  be  Thou,  O  God,  who  hast  comforted  us 
in  all  our  tribulation  that  we  might  comfort  others. 
We  praise  thee  that  when  we  have  been  cast  down 
thou  hast  lifted  us  up.  May  this  experience  of  thy 
lovingkindness  make  us  tender-hearted,  quick  to 
bring  an  understanding  help  to  those  in  need, 
always  hopeful  and  unselfish  in  our  trials  and  disap- 
pointments. Help  us  to  be  patient  with  all  weak- 
ness, not  forgetting  thy  forbearance  with  our 
infirmities.  So  may  thy  light  shine  in  our  hearts 
and,  shining  through  our  Uves,  bear  witness  to  thy 
thoughts  of  love  toward  men.  Uphold  us  when 
we  are  in  peril  from  the  temptations  of  the  world 
and  the  anger  that  rises  so  swiftly  in  our  hearts  and 
may  we  draw  back  from  no  experience  that  shall  be 
needful  for  thy  purpose  in  our  lives.  In  the  name 
of  Christ.     Amen. 

January  5  — A  Restful  Faith 

Therefore  I  say  unto  you,  Be  not  anxious  for  your 
life,  what  ye  shall  eat,  or  what  ye  shall  drink;  nor 
yet  for  your  body,  what  ye  shall  put  on.  .  .  .  Behold 
the  birds  of  the  heaven,  that  they  sow  not,  neither  do 
they  reap,  nor  gather  into  barns;  and  your  heavenly 
Father  feedeth  them.  Are  not  ye  of  much  more  value 
than  they?  —  Matt.  6  :  25. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS         9 

Give  me,  my  Father,  all  that  becometh  a  child  of 
thine  and  especially  the  restful  faith  which  lives 
without  anxiety,  the  child's  simplicity  of  love  and 
willing  obedience,  quick  readiness  to  learn  the  ways 
of  my  Father's  house  and  a  mind  open  to  receive  the 
wisdom  of  my  Father's  heart.  Bring  back  my 
thoughts  from  the  perplexities  of  living  to  the  full 
assurance  of  thy  love  in  Christ.  Lead  me  from 
weakness  on  to  strength.  Teach  me  to  overcome  and 
how  to  grow  by  overcoming.  Comfort  me  in  grief 
and  pain  as  one  whom  his  mother  comforteth. 
Provide  all  needful  gifts  for  body  and  for  soul. 
Let  no  sin  have  dominion  over  me,  that  I  may  never 
lose  the  joy  and  freedom  of  thy  house.  Help  me 
to  love  as  thou  hast  loved  and  to  serve  as  Jesus 
served.  And  let  thy  presence  be  my  joy  and 
strength  forevermore.     Amen. 

January  6  —  For  the  Nation 

And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Zechariah, 
saying,  Thus  hath  the  Lord  of  Hosts  spoken,  saying, 
Execute  true  judgment,  and  show  kindness  and  com- 
passion every  man  to  his  brother;  and  oppress  not 
the  widow,  nor  the  fatherless,  the  sojourner,  nor  the 
poor;  and  let  none  of  you  devise  evil  against  his 
brother  in  your  heart.  — Zech.  7  :  8. 

0  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Pattern  and  Teacher  of  all 
mutual  love  and  human  brotherhood,  so  fill  thy 
Church  with  the  pure  spirit  of  thy  grace  that  it 
may  show  to  men  the  pattern  of  thy  thought  in 
common  life.  In  all  social  relations  let  pride  and 
covetousness  be  cast  out  and  selfishness  restrained. 
May  our  judges  decide  in  righteousness,  our  legisla- 


10       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

tors  deliberate  in  thy  fear,  our  rulers  execute  the 
laws  without  respect  of  persons.  Quicken  the 
conscience  of  our  citizens,  that  they  may  think  and 
choose  aright.  In  all  business  may  honesty  pre- 
vail. In  all  social  meetings  may  the  spirit  of 
brotherhood  control  the  thoughts  of  men.  So 
purify  our  national  life  that  more  and  more  thy 
love  may  shine  through  it  for  the  help  of  the  world, 
and  the  problems  of  our  dwelling  together  be  solved 
by  the  guidance  of  thy  Good  Spirit.  And  to  thee 
be  praise  for  all  progress  and  pure  attainment,  ever 
more!     Amen. 

January  7  —  Against  Anger 

Let  all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and  anger,  and  clamor 
and  railing,  he  'put  away  from  you,  with  all  malice: 
and  he  ye  kind  one  to  another,  tenderhearted,  forgiving 
each  other,  even  as  God  also  in  Christ  forgave  you.  — 
Eph.  4:31. 

Let  not  anger  rule  my  heart,  0  Thou  Most 
Merciful,  lest  in  hate  and  barren  strife  I  lose  thought 
of  thy  presence  and  forget  my  call  to  fellow-service 
with  my  Lord  and  Helper,  Jesus  Christ.  Let  thy 
peace  rule  my  spirit  because  I  both  forgive  and  am 
forgiven.  Yet  keep  me,  Lord,  from  weakness  and 
indifference  to  cruelty  and  wrong  and  from  all  blind 
and  selfish  ease  amid  the  sufferings  of  my  brothers. 
Let  me  be  patient  because  thou  rulest,  leaving  all 
judgment  to  the  Son  of  Man.  Keep  me  especially 
from  hoarded  grudges,  cherished  anger  or  carefully 
remembered  grounds  of  hate.  Let  me  be  stronger 
than  my  passion,  more  hopeful  than  my  fear,  more 
loving  than  my  dislikes,  that  I  may  be  conformed  to 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       11 

Christ's  image  and  help  the  coming  of  thy  king- 
dom. So  let  me  be  numbered  among  the  men  of 
good  will  to  whom  thou  sendest  peace.     Amen . 

January  8  —  Heirs  of  God 

The  Spirit  himself  beareth  witness  with  our  spirit, 
that  we  are  children  of  God:  and  if  children,  then 
heirs;  heirs  of  God,  and  joint-heirs  with  Christ; 
if  so  be  that  we  suffer  with  him,  that  we  may  be  also 
glorified  with  him.  —  Rom.  8  :  16. 

0  Lord,  most  merciful,  our  Heavenly  Father,  we 
praise  thee  for  thy  good  gifts  and  gracious  promises, 
which  are  as  lights  upon  the  way  of  our  immortal 
life.  Assure  our  hearts  in  faith  and  love,  that  we 
may  live  as  heirs  of  hopes  and  expectations  founded 
on  thy  Word.  We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  re- 
served for  us  a  share  in  the  inheritance  of  thine  own 
Son,  our  Lord  and  Brother.  What  thou  dost  yet 
keep  in  store,  let  us  await  in  patience,  knowing  that 
thy  promise  cannot  fail.  Teach  us,  in  times  of 
want,  to  seek  our  comfort  in  the  comforting  of  thy 
children  and  the  fellowship  of  faith.  Reveal  thy 
presence  in  us,  according  to  thy  word,  that  we  may 
be  transformed  through  thy  companionship  into 
thine  image.  And  may  our  unfailing,  joyful 
confidence  and  expectation  bear  witness  to  thy 
power  and  lo  ve .     Amen . 

January  9  —  Expectant  Faith 

Yet  a  little  ivhile,  and  the  ivorld  beholdeth  me  no 
more;  but  ye  behold  me:  because  I  live,  ye  shall  live 
also.     In  that  day  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  in  my 


12       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Father,  and  ye  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  He  that  hath 
my  commandments  and  keepeth  them,  he  it  is  that 
loveth  me:  and  he  that  loveth  me  shall  be  loved  of  my 
Father,  and  I  will  love  him,  and  will  manifest  myself 
unto  him.  — John  IJj.  :  19. 

Thou  Dayspring  of  all  faithful  and  expectant 
hearts,  Light  of  all  hope  and  Home  of  faith  and 
love,  to  thee  we  look  for  dawn  amid  the  darkness  of 
our  fears  and  griefs.  In  thee  would  we  find  our 
joy  and  hope  grow  clear.  Forbid  it.  Lord,  that  we, 
the  children  of  the  day,  should  rest  content  in  dark- 
ness of  transgression  or  lose  in  the  experience  of 
our  present  life  the  forward-looking  faith  which  ever 
seeks  for  signs  of  thine  appearing.  Give  us  the 
faith  that  leads  to  faithfulness;  the  faithfulness 
which  strengthens  faith.  Open  our  eyes  to  behold 
thy  presence  in  common  things  and  give  us  a  peace 
of  heart  which  shall  make  us  more  alert  and  ready 
to  become  thy  witnesses  and  to  carry  on  thy  work. 
Blessed  be  Thou!  our  Expectation  and  our  Strength! 
Thine  are  our  gifts  and  of  thy  bounty  we  bring  thee 
our  thanksgiving  in  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

January  10  —  Strength  for  the  Way 

In  nothing  he  anxious;  but  in  everything  by  prayer 
and  supplication  with  thanksgiving  let  your  requests 
he  made  known  unto  God.  And  the  peace  of  God, 
which  passeth  all  under staiiding,  shall  guard  your 
hearts  and  your  thoughts  in  Christ  Jesus.  —  Phil. 
4:6. 

0  Thou  who  hast  sent  us  on  our  pilgrimage,  well 
knowing  that  we  must  encounter  trials  and  tempta- 
tions, abide  with  us  that  in  the  midst  of  our  changes 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       13 

we  may  have  stability  and  peace  of  heart.  We 
thank  thee  that  the  weakness  and  unfaith  are  all  in 
us  and  that  thou  changest  not  in  love  and  power. 
When  we  are  vexed  and  troubled,  be  thou  our 
serenity  of  spirit  and  the  rock  of  our  safety  and 
repose.  We  thank  thee  for  guidance  hitherto  and 
for  the  assurance  of  thy  promise  for  the  remaining 
days.  Thou  Father  of  all  loving  hearts,  who  hast 
joy  in  the  great  brotherhood  of  earth  and  heaven 
which  thou  hast  brought  to  pass,  teach  us  to  glory 
in  that  wide  communion  and  to  wait  with  patience 
for  the  revelation  of  thy  purpose.  And  may  we 
always  live  before  thee  in  truth  and  righteousness, 
as  becometh  good  followers  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

January  11  —  Brotherly  Living 

Finally,  be  ye  all  likeminded,  compassionate,  loving 
as  brethren,  tenderhearted,  humbleminded:  not 
rendering  evil  for  evil,  or  reviling  for  reviling;  but 
contrariwise  blessing;  for  hereunto  were  ye  called, 
that  ye  should  inherit  a  blessing.  —  1  Pet.  3  :  8. 

Father  of  Lights,  in  whom  there  is  no  darkness, 
let  the  glory  of  thy  presence  shine  in  all  our  human 
meetings  and  relations  till  the  brotherhood  of  men 
in  thee  becomes  the  ruling  motive  of  our  thought. 
Let  us  not  despise  the  lowliest  opportunity  of  service 
or  neglect  the  humblest  duty.  Make  us  studious 
of  courtesy,  consideration  and  kindness  in  the  com- 
mon business  of  our  days.  Purify  our  family  life 
and  make  it  joj^ul.  Teach  us  to  be  honest,  seeking 
in  all  sincerity  to  love  our  neighbor  as  ourself, 
fulfilling  the  duties  of  our  citizenship  in  all  faithful- 


14      PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

ness,  knowing  that  thou  hast  ordained  the  nation  as 
a  type  and  instrument  of  thine  eternal  kingdom. 
Keep  us  from  scorn  of  others,  from  bigotry  of  in- 
herited opinions,  from  private  and  unreasonable 
prejudice,  from  idleness  and  despair.  And  let  our 
hopes  and  our  desires  run  forward  to  the  fulfilment 
of  thy  purpose.     In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

January  12  —  The  Obedient  Heart 

Hereby  we  know  that  we  love  the  children  of  God, 
when  we  love  God  and  do  his  commandments.  For 
this  is  the  love  of  God,  that  we  keep  his  commandments: 
and  his  commandments  are  7iot  grievous.  For  what- 
soever is  begotten  of  God  overcometh  the  world;  and 
this  is  the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world,  even  our 
faith.  —  1  John  5:2. 

Lord,  let  thy  purposes  include,  I  beseech  thee,  my 
life  and  work,  my  joy  and  service.  And  to  this  end 
give  me  a  loving  and  obedient  heart  that  I  may  de- 
sire to  know  thy  will  and  do  it.  Give  me  high 
thoughts  of  thee,  0  Lord  my  Helper,  wide  thoughts 
of  the  purposes  for  which  thou  hast  redeemed  me 
and  joyful  thoughts  of  all  experiences  to  which  thy 
work  may  lead.  For  in  thy  companionship  are 
peace  and  strength  forevermore.  Direct  my  steps 
aright,  0  God,  that  I  may  do  thy  work  in  thine  own 
way.  And  may  even  rebuffs  and  refusals  become 
tokens  of  thy  care,  to  be  explained  when  I  look  back 
upon  thy  leading.  When  I  need  courage  to  endure, 
help  me  to  think  of  thee.  And  in  assurance  of 
thine  aid,  help  me  to  have  confidence  to  go  up 
against  strongholds,  even  though  giants  dwell 
there.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       15 

January  13  —  The  Forward  Look  of  Faith 

Who  shall  separate  us  from  the  love  of  Christ? 
shall  tribulation,  or  distress,  or  persecution,  or  famine, 
or  nakedness,  or  peril,  or  sword f  .  .  .  Nay,  in  all 
these  things  we  are  more  than  conquerors  through  him 
that  loved  us.  —  Rom.  8  :  So. 

We  thank  thee,  Father,  for  that  forward-looking 
faith  which  we  have  learned  of  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Lord.  Because  thou  hast  loved  us  with  an  exceeding 
love  revealed  in  him  by  life  and  death,  make  confi- 
dent our  hearts  that  all  things  work  together  for 
our  good.  Help  us  to  keep  this  faith  when  we  are 
threatened  with  discouragement.  Let  it  fix  our 
thoughts  upon  the  lasting  peace  and  glory  of  com- 
panionship in  work  with  thee.  May  sorrow  yield 
to  its  assurance  of  things  hoped  for,  its  delight  in 
love  made  known.  Let  all  our  days  henceforth 
be  good  days,  because  thy  love  has  wakened  answer- 
ing love  in  us,  deeper  than  all  disappointments, 
higher  than  all  gifts,  purer  than  all  hopes  of  gain 
and  pleasure.  Keep  thou  our  feet  from  snares. 
Enrich  our  hearts  through  new  experiences  of  Christ- 
like living.  And  bring  us  to  the  end  of  years  on 
earth  in  loving  service  and  in  joyful  gratitude. 
Amen. 

January  14  —  Joy  in  God 

Because  thy  lovingkindness  is  better  than  life,  my 
lips  shall  praise  thee.  So  will  I  bless  thee  while  I 
live;  I  will  lift  up  my  hands  in  thy  name.  My  soul 
shall  be  satisfied  as  with  marrow  and  fatness:  and 
my  mouth  shall  praise  thee  with  joyful  lips,  —  Psalm 
63:3. 


16       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Thou  Source  and  Way  and  Goal  of  all  perfection, 
Giver  of  life  and  its  true  joy  and  hope,  be  ever  with 
me  to  crown  my  work  in  thine  own  time  with  thine 
own  thought  of  good.  I  thank  thee  that  thou  art 
my  aid  in  all  perplexity,  my  ever-present  help  in 
trouble.  From  the  unyielding  powers  of  the  seen 
world,  let  me  take  refuge  with  thee  in  the  world  that 
is  unseen  and  eternal.  Enlighten  my  ignorance, 
complete  my  work  when  I  have  failed.  Be  my 
reserve  and  confidence  when  the  enemy  comes  in 
like  a  flood.  Thou  spring  of  all  my  joys,  I  would 
drink  deep  of  thy  refreshing  fulness,  that  I  may  live 
in  cheerful  days  amid  earth's  discontents.  Give 
me  a  child's  joy  in  thy  Fatherhood,  an  heir's  glad 
expectations  of  my  inheritance  in  Christ.  And 
teach  me  by  thy  Spirit  all  I  need  to  know  for  faith- 
ful days  and  songs  of  joy.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

January  15  —  The  Guardian  of  Our  Way 

He  will  surely  be  gracious  unto  thee  at  the  voice  of 
thy  cry;  when  he  shall  hear,  he  will  answer  thee.  .  .  . 
And  thine  eyes  shall  hear  a  word  behind  thee,  saying, 
This  is  the  way,  walk  ye  in  it;  when  ye  turn  to  the 
right  hand,  and  when  ye  turn  to  the  left.  —  Is.  30  :  19. 

Remember,  0  Lord  our  God,  thy  lovingkindness 
toward  us  and  guide  us  ever  in  thy  way  of  love  and 
truth.  When  our  hearts  are  perplexed  within  us, 
lighten  thou  our  darkness  by  the  teaching  of  thy 
Spirit.  When  the  next  step  of  our  journey  is  not 
clear,  may  we  hear  thy  voice  behind  us  saying, 
''  This  is  the  way."  Let  neither  allurements  from 
without,  nor  the  rising  of  vainglorious  pride  within, 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       17 

cause  us  to  leave  the  path  of  thine  appointment- 
And  where  thou  goest  not  with  us  as  our  Guide  and 
Helper,  suffer  us  not  to  go.  For  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

January  16  —  In  Troubles  Unforeseen 

Be  not  afraid  of  sudden  fear,  neither  of  the  storm  of 
the  wicked,  when  it  cometh.  For  the  Lord  will  he  thy 
confidence,  and  will  keep  thy  foot  from  being  taken.  — 
Prov.  3  :  25. 

What  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will  put  my  trust  in  thee. 
In  God  (/  will  praise  his  word),  in  God  have  I  put  my 
trust,  I  will  not  be  afraid;  what  can  flesh  do  unto 
mef  —  Psalm  56  :  3. 

Lord,  thou  knowest  with  what  trials  my  heart  is 
to  be  assailed  this  day.  Thou  understandest  my 
folly  and  my  weakness  and  art  acquainted  with  my 
easily  besetting  sins.  It  is  to  thee  alone  I  look  for 
upholding  and  deliverance.  Open  my  eyes  that  I 
may  see  the  folly  of  sin,  but  show  me  more  of  thy- 
self and  of  the  beauty  of  thy  holiness  that  I  may 
desire  thy  presence  and  the  light  of  thy  favor  with 
earnest  seeking.  For  thy  love's  sake  make  me 
patient  and  loving  with  my  friends  and  neighbors. 
Teach  me  to  forgive  that  I  may  come  to  thee  und 
ask  to  be  forgiven.  And  may  I  grow  like  Christ 
this  day,  for  his  sake  and  to  his  glory.     Amen. 

January  17  —  The  God  of  Busy  Days 

But  I  have  trusted  in  thy  lovingkindness ;  my 
heart  shall  rejoice  in  thy  salvation.  I  will  sing  unto 
the  Lord,  because  he  hath  dealt  bountif^dly  with  me.  — 
Psalm  13  : 5. 


18       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Thanks  be  unto  thee,  my  Lord,  that  thou  art 
ever  near!  I  bless  thee  that  when  I  am  alone  with 
thee  thou  art  not  more  loving  or  more  careful  of  my 
need  than  when  my  mind  is  fully  occupied,  or  when 
I  come  and  go  with  heavy  cares  in  crowded  ways. 
I  thank  thee  for  the  momentary  thoughts  that  run 
home  to  thee  amid  the  interruptions  of  my  busiest 
day,  for  every  quick  appeal  and  for  the  confidence 
and  quietness  of  heart  that  come  as  thy  response 
to  my  petition.     Give  me,   my  Father,   a  deeper 

(experience  of  thy  love,  a  calmer  assurance  among 
perplexities  and  trials,  a  more  eager  desire  to  keep 
in  close  and  joyful  touch  with  thee.  And  perfect 
thou  my  incomplete  and  fragmentary  prayers, 
building  in  me  the  communion  and  likeness  of  thy 
Son  and  giving  me  to  become  a  helper  in  his  kingdom 
and  a  sharer  of  his  work  and  joy.     Amen. 

January  18  —  The  Unchanging  Friend 

Blessed  is  the  people  that  know  the  joyful  sou7id: 
they  walk,  0  Lord,  in  the  light  of  thy  countenance. 
In  thy  name  do  they  rejoice  all  the  day;  and  in  thy 
righteousness  are  they  exalted.  —  Psalm  89  :  IS. 

Q  God  our  Father,  we  thank  thee  that  thou 
changest  not  amid  our  changes  and  art  not  weary 
in  our  weariness.  In  trials  that  come  suddenlj^, 
we  would  take  refuge  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings. 
In  dull  and  weary  hours,  be  thou  our  joy,  that  we 
may  do  our  work  as  in  thy  sight.  Let  darkness 
bring  assurance  that  thou  art  still  our  light  of  life. 
Make  our  enjoyments  higher  and  dearer  with  a 
sense  of  thy  continual  presence.  Teach  us  to  use 
thy  gifts  of  lovingkindness  for  aid  and  sympathy 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       19 

to  others.  So  let  our  quiet  be  a  reflection  of  thy 
peace,  and  drudgeries  seem  but  as  stones  and  briars 
of  the  path  in  which  we  walk  with  thee.  In  the 
name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

January  19  —  The  Heart's  Affections 

I  thank  my  God  upon  all  my  remembrance  of  you> 
always  in  every  supplication  of  mine  on  behalf  of 
you  all  making  my  supplication  with  joy,  for  your 
fellowship  in  furtherance  of  the  good  tidings  from  the 
first  day  until  now.  —  Phil.  1  :  3. 

O  dearest  Friend  and  Lover  of  our  souls,  we  ask 
thy  blessing  and  thy  care  fpr  friends,  who  are  thy 
dearest  gifts  on  earth.  We  bless  thee  that  the  love 
thou  hast  for  us,  and  the  love  we  owe  and  fain  would 
offer  thee,  can  neither  contradict  nor  lessen  love  of 
kindred  and  the  pure  communion  of  our  souls  with 
earthly  friends.  So  cleanse  and  ennoble  all  our 
affections  that,  with  joy  and  singleness  of  heart, 
we  may  entreat  thee  to  be  sharers  of  our  happiness. 
Guard  these  whom  thou  hast  given  us  from  all 
overmastering  temptations  and  all  weakness  of 
their  own  heart's  faith.  Teach  us  to  understand 
and  to  be  helpful  without  intruding  on  that  inner 
life  which  each  must  live  alone  with  thee.  And 
quicken  us  to  holier  life  that  we  may  be  found 
worthy  of  the  love  thou  hast  so  freely  given  us. 
Amen. 

January  20  —  The  New  Song 

The  Lord  is  my  strength  and  song,  and  he  is  become 
my  salvatimi.  This  is  my  God,  and  I  will  praise  him; 
my  father's  God,  and  I  will  exalt  him.  — Ex.  15  :  2. 


20       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Teach  us,  0  God,  to  remember  always  that  we 
are  thy  children  and  to  go  with  singing  hearts  along 
our  way  of  pilgrimage.  Put  the  new  song  in  our 
mouth,  that  its  melody  of  praise  may  cheer  our 
hearts  when  trials  come,  and  speak  to  others  of  thy 
presence  and  thy  joy.  Give  us  the  childlike  faith 
that  rests  upon  thy  fatherly  provision  for  the  life 
on  earth  and  thy  large  promise  for  the  life  that  is  to 
come,  and  in  simplicity  of  trust  and  puritj''  of  love 
enable  us  to  grow  out  of  all  stain  of  sin  and  de- 
formity of  character  into  thine  image.  For  Jesus' 
sake.    Amen. 

January  21  —  Putting  Away  Falsehood 

These  are  the  things  that  ye  shall  do:  speak  ye 
every  man  the  truth  with  his  neighbor;  judge  truth 
and  the  judgment  of  peace  in  your  gates;  and  let 
none  of  you  devise  evil  in  your  hearts  against  his 
neighbor;  and  love  no  false  oath;  for  all  these  are 
things  that  I  hate,  saith  the  Lord.  — Zech.  8  :  16. 

We  come  to  thee,  0  God,  in  the  name  of  Christ 
who  is  the  truth,  to  ask  that  thou  wilt  cleanse  our 
hearts  from  falsehood.  From  all  love  of  deception, 
from  all  vain  imaginations,  from  careless  insincerity 
and  trust  in  refuges  of  lies,  deliver  us  now  and  ever- 
more. 0  send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth;  let 
them  lead  us!  Enlighten  our  mind,  instruct  our 
conscience,  fortify  our  will,  that  we  may  be  true 
followers  of  our  Lord  in  all  sincerity  of  heart  and 
uprightness  of  life.  May  our  speech  be  in  charity 
without  guile,  loving  the  truth  and  peace.  Thou 
knowest  how  we  walk  in  ignorance  and  prejudice, 
the  familiar  words  of  falsehood  which  we  hear  and 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       21 

speak.  Pardon  us  that  w^e  have  been  content  in 
this  false  witness.  Give  us  a  growing  and  abiding 
love  for  all  things  that  are  pure  and  honest  and  of 
good  report  with  thee.  So  teach  us  to  follow  in  the 
steps  of  Jesus  who  did  no  sin,  neither  was  guile 
found  in  his  mouth,  that  through  us  also  some  may- 
rise  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  which  is  revealed 
of  thee.  And  thine  shall  be  the  glory  evermore. 
Amen. 

January  22  —  In  Quiet  Days 

A  certain  nobleman  went  into  a  far  country,  to 
receive  for  himself  a  kingdom,  and  to  return.  And 
he  called  ten  servants  of  his  and  gave  them  ten  pounds, 
and  said  unto  them,  Trade  ye  herewith  till  I  come.  — 
Luke  19  :  12. 

Abide  with  me,  0  Lord,  in  quiet  days,  when 
nothing  stirs  within  me  or  without  to  move  my  heart 
to  gratitude  or  fear.  Let  me  be  gathering  strength 
for  times  of  sorrow  and  temptation.  Keep  my 
heart  from  all  anxiety.  Deliver  me  from  that  fierce 
craving  for  excitement  which  undermines  content. 
Make  me  a  just  and  careful  steward  of  the  gifts 
thou  hast  committed  to  my  care.  Build  thou  thy 
likeness  as  thou  wilt,  through  storm  and  trial,  or  in 
silent  years.  Let  gain  and  loss,  the  quiet  or  dis- 
tracted hours  of  life,  according  to  thy  promise,  work 
together  for  my  good.  And  let  thy  name  be  honored 
and  thy  kingdom  come  and  thy  will  be  done  on 
earth.     Amen. 


22       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

/ 

January  23  —  Those  Who  Have  Gone  Before 

But  we  luould  not  have  you  ignorant,  brethren, 
concerning  them  that  fall  asleep;  that  ye  sorrow  not, 
even  as  the  rest,  who  have  no  hope.  For  if  we  believe 
that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so  them  also 
that  are  fallen  asleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with 
him.  —  1  Thess.  4  :  13. 

Heavenly  Father,  from  our  hearts  we  thank  thee 
for  gracious  memories  of  our  beloved  whom  thou 
in  loving  wisdom  hast  taken  to  thyself.  We  thank 
thee  that  against  the  darkness  of  that  mystery  thy 
promise  burns.  In  silence  which  may  never  more 
be  broken  upon  earth,  help  us  to  remember  lovingly 
their  words  of  faith  and  cheer.  Thou,  0  God,  hast 
strengthened  and  comforted  our  hearts  through 
faith  and  labor,  lest  we  should  sink  in  idle,  hopeless 
grief  to  an  ignoble  weakness.  Let  us  not  think  so 
meanly  of  thy  care  or  of  their  generous  love  as  to 
believe  we  honor  them  by  aimless  sorrow  more  than 
by  a  cheerful  hope  and  service.  Let  thy  strength 
abide  in  us  that  we  may  overcome  and  be  found 
worthy  of  eternal  life  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  So  prepare  our  hearts  for  the  unclouded 
vision  and  communion  of  thy  saints  in  light.     Amen. 


January  24  —  In  Ordinary  Days 

And  being  asked  by  the  Pharisees,  when  the  king- 
dom of  God  Cometh,  he  answered  them  and  said.  The 
kingdom  of  God  cometh  not  by  observation;  neither 
shall  they  say,  Lo,  here!  or.  There!  for  lo,  the  kingdom 
of  God  is  in  the  midst  of  you.  — Luke  17  :  20. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       23 

Lord,  I  would  be  ready  when  thou  callest,  in  the 
great  day  of  my  life.  Help  me,  therefore,  to  be 
diligent  and  faithful  in  my  work  this  day,  that  I 
may  make  it  by  thy  help  a  joyful  time  of  service  in 
confession  of  thine  authority  and  in  answer  to  thy  j 

love.  Teach  me  to  recognize  my  present  op- 
portunity rather  than  to  dream  of  greater  things  to 
come.  But,  in  little  or  in  great,  be  with  me  that  I 
may  grow  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  child.  So 
in  present  diligence  make  my  life  fit  for  great  adven- 
ture and  let  my  work  move  in  the  direction  of  thy 
thought.  Let  thy  kingdom  come  and  thy  work  be 
perfected,  whether  by  me  or  by  another,  and  clear 
my  heart  forevermore  of  envy,  jealousy  and  pride. 
For  thou  hast  trusted  me  and  I  would  fain  do  my 
work  well  for  simple  love  of  thee.     Amen. 


January  25  —  The  Refuge 

God  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  a  very  present  help 
in  trouble.  Therefore  ivill  we  not  fear,  though  the 
earth  change,  and  though  the  mountains  be  moved  in 
the  heart  of  the  seas.  —  Psalm  46  : 1. 

O  God,  our  satisfaction  and  our  home,  to  thee  we 
run  for  strength  when  the  powers  of  the  ever-present 
world  are  upon  us  and  our  hearts  weary  and  grow 
faint.  Teach  us  so  to  live  in  the  remembrance  of 
thy  presence  that  all  the  troubled  world  shall  be 
overshadowed  by  the  beauty  of  thy  holiness.  Give 
us  hours  of  dear  and  intimate  communion,  when 
we  may  rest  our  souls  on  thee  and  be  at  peace. 
From  the  tumult  of  the  street  and  the  legioned 
hosts  of  crowding  thoughts  and  fears  we  turn  to  thy 


24       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

place  of  quietude  in  our  own  hearts  to  find  ourselves 
at  home.  Fulfil  our  hopes  in  thine  own  time, 
according  to  thy  word.  Let  thoughts  of  thy  merci- 
ful kindness  begin  our  day.  Remember  us  when  in 
the  multitude  of  our  occupations  we  are  tempted 
to  forget  thee.  Grant  us  thy  peace  at  eventide. 
Show  us  deeper  meanings  in  thy  word.  Give 
broader  vision  and  make  us  more  helpful  for  thy 
work  with  men.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


January  26  —  Happy  Living 

For  thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel, 
In  returning  and  rest  shall  ye  be  saved;  and  in  quiet- 
ness and  in  confidence  shall  be  your  strength.  —  Is. 
30  :  15. 

0  Thou  that  bringest  cheer  amid  the  trials  of  our 
mortal  life,  so  turn  our  hearts  from  fear  to  praise 
that  we  may  live  for  thee  in  all  conditions  without 
any  lingering  trace  of  dread  or  gloom.  Let  not  our 
hearts  be  troubled  by  losses,  sorrows  or  perplexities 
of  this  passing  world,  but  maj^  we  accept  all  the  dis- 
posings  of  thy  will  with  quiet  hearts  and  cheerful 
countenances,  speaking  only  kindly  and  courageous 
words,  and  thinking  only  pure  and  joj^ul  thoughts. 
Incline  our  hearts  rather  to  gratitude  than  com- 
plaint, and  our  lips  to  songs  of  praise.  And  may 
the  happiness  of  thy  presence  rid  us  at  once  of  selfish- 
ness and  gloom.  For  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord,  who  gladly  gave  himself  for  our  redemption. 
Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       25 

January  27  —  The  Indwelling  Spirit 

It  is  expedient  for  you  that  I  go  away;  for  if  I  go 
not  away  the  Advocate  will  not  come  unto  you;  but 
if  I  go,  I  will  send  him  unto  you.  And  he,  when  he  is 
come,  will  convict  the  world  in  respect  of  sin,  and  of 
righteousness,  and  of  judgment.  — John  16  :  7. 

Spirit  of  the  Living  God,  by  whom  we  are  en- 
dowed with  Kfe  from  above,  so  quicken  in  our  hearts 
all  pure  affections,  right  desires  and  holy  thoughts, 
that  we  may  fulfil  thy  work  and  grow  in  the  like- 
ness of  our  Lord.  Show  us  our  sin,  but  open  to  our 
hearts  a  vision  of  the  beauty  of  Christ's  holiness. 
Warn  us  of  peril  and  keep  us  in  the  hour  of  our 
temptation.  Increase  our  patience  and  our  courage, 
our  humility  and  our  self-respect  as  children  of 
God.  Give  wisdom  and  zeal,  justice  and  fervent 
charity.  Teach  us  to  forgive,  to  conquer  anger  and 
to  love  our  enemies.  Take  of  the  things  of  Christ 
and  show  them  unto  us.  Purify  our  hearts  that 
thou  mayest  enter  in  and  dwell  with  us  for  peace 
and  service.  And  this  we  ask  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

January  28  —  Waiting  God*s  Time 

For  by  hope  were  we  saved :  but  hope  that  is  seen  is 
not  hope:  for  who  hopeth  for  that  which  he  seethf 
But  if  we  hope  for  that  which  we  see  not,  then  do  we 
with  patience  wait  for  it.  —  Rom.  8  :  24- 

Thou  art  my  confidence,  0  Lord,  when  I  am 
troubled  and  perplexed  at  the  slow  progress  of  thy 
kingdom  in  the  earth.  Help  me  to  share  thy  pa- 
tience, as  thou  hast  given  me  to  share  thy  love  and 


26       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

work.  Thou  who  knowest  the  end  from  the  be- 
ginning, pity  and  sustain  me  when  mj'"  ignorance  of 
even  what  the  morrow  may  bring  forth  hangs  Hke 
a  cloud  upon  my  heart.  Let  me  find  thy  presence 
joy  enough  for  song  and  thy  love  a  motive  for  en- 
durance and  for  toil.  To  all  who  need  thee  in  their 
sorrow  and  their  sin,  come,  Lord,  to  cheer  and  save. 
Send  by  whom  thou  wilt  send  to  the  dark  places  of 
the  earth  and  let  thy  light  in  me  bear  witness  some- 
where to  thv  love.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


January  29  —  In  the  Day  of  Our  Temptation 

And  I  will  bring  the  third  part  through  the  fire,  and 
I  ivill  refine  them  as  silver  is  refined,  and  will  try  them 
as  gold  is  tried.  They  shall  call  on  my  name,  and  I 
will  hear  them;  I  will  say.  It  is  my  people;  and  they 
shall  say,  the  Lord  is  my  God. — Zech.  13  :  9. 

In  the  day  of  our  temptation,  grant  us  aid,  0 
Christ.  As  thou  overcamest  in  the  wilderness,  help 
us  to  overcome.  Keep  us  when  we  are  tried  and 
nothing  holds  us  back  from  sin  but  love  of  thee. 
Lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from 
evil,  for  thine  own  name's  sake.  For  thou  hast 
called  and  redeemed  us  and  thy  love  is  the  portion 
of  our  hope.  Let  us  not  lose  thy  presence  or 
the  joy  of  hours  we  spend  with  thee.  When  we  are 
tested,  may  our  true  life  appear.  When  we  are 
sifted,  let  the  chaff  be  driven  away  but  none  of  the 
wheat.  And  may  thy  joy  and  ours  meet  in  the  day 
when  we  shall  have  overcome  and  thou  givest  us  to 
eat  of  the  tree  of  life  which  is  in  the  paradise  of 
God.     And  to  thy  name  be  praise.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       27 
January  30  —  Building  God's  Kingdom 

For  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  man  that 
is  a  householder,  who  ivent  out  early  in  the  morning 
to  hire  laborers  into  his  vineyard.  Again  he  went 
out  about  the  sixth  and  the  ninth  hour  and  did  like- 
wise. —  Matt.  20  : 1. 

Father  in  heaven,  unto  thee  we  bring  in  faith  and 
confidence  all  the  desires  and  efforts  through  which 
we  seek  to  build  thy  kingdom.  Make  us  in  love 
with  the  simplicities  of  hohness,  that  we  may  serve 
our  generation  by  what  we  are  as  well  as  by  what 
we  do  and  say.  By  the  indwelling  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit  form  in  us  more  and  more  from  day  to  day 
the  image  of  Christ,  that  he  may  speak  through  us, 
and  that  men  may  know  that  we  have  been  with 
him.  Go  before  and  guide  our  thoughts  lest  we  miss 
the  way  or  bear  false  witness  to  our  Lord  and  Friend. 
Clear  our  perplexities,  sustain  us  in  our  weakness. 
Let  the  joy  of  thy  presence  in  our  hearts  become  a 
light  for  others.  And  in  the  building  of  thy  king- 
dom, give  us  such  part  as  thou  shalt  choose  and  bless, 
keeping  us  alike  from  vanity  and  fear.  In  the  name, 
of  Christ.     Amen. 

January  31  —  From  the  Noise  of  Strife 

0  how  great  is  thy  goodness,  which  thou  hast  laid 
up  for  them  that  fear  thee,  which  thou  hast  wrought  for 
them  that  take  refuge  in  thee,  before  the  sons  of  men! 
In  the  covert  of  thy  presence  wilt  thou  hide  them  from 
the  plottings  of  man:  thou  wilt  keep  them  secretly 
in  a  pavilion  from  the  strife  of  tongues.  —  Psalm 
31  :  19. 


28       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

From  trouble  and  the  noise  of  strife  we  turn, 
Lord,  to  thee,  our  refuge  and  our  hope.  Let  peace 
rule  in  our  hearts  amid  confusion,  while  we  wait  for 
the  triumph  of  thy  kingdom.  Bring  thine  own 
will  to  pass  in  the  changes  that  must  come.  Make 
us  active  and  undaunted  in  thy  work.  Remember 
those  who  are  called  to  patience  and  listen  to  their 
prayers.  Be  with  the  sorrowing,  to  sustain  them  in 
their  anguished  and  lonely  hours.  Let  hate  and 
envy  die  out  of  men's  hearts,  and  peace  and  kindness 
reign.  Go  with  us  through  the  darkness  of  our 
suspense  and  perplexity.  Make  us  lovers  of  justice 
between  man  and  man.  Give  us  courage  to  go  on  in 
thy  companionship  with  full  assurance  that  thy 
patience  fails  not  nor  is  ignorant  of  the  means  and  of 
the  end.    In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

February  1  —  God's  Confidence  in  Us 

As  thou  didst  send  me  into  the  world,  even  so  sent  I 
them  into  the  world.  And  for  their  sokes  I  sanctify 
myself,  that  they  themselves  also  may  be  sanctified  in 
truth.  Neither  for  these  only  do  I  pray,  hid  for  them 
also  that  believe  on  me  through  their  word,  that  they 
may  all  be  one.  —  John  17  :  18. 

Giver  of  all  good,  who  hast  trusted  those  whom 
thou  hast  loved,  help  me  henceforth  to  think  and 
speak  as  one  whom  thou  hast  sent  to  do  thy  work 
on  earth.  Let  me  have  a  child's  care  for  the  honor 
of  his  father,  a  friend's  thought  for  the  reputation 
of  his  friend.  By  thy  love  and  trust  my  work  is 
honored  and  made  joyful,  and  I  would  fain  so  live 
and  die  that  thou  mayest  have  the  joy  of  meeting 
my  return  to  thee  with  thy  "  Well  done!  "    Thou 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       29 

hast  called  me  to  thy  service  and  loved  me  before  I 
knew  of  thee;  strengthen  me,  I  beseech  thee,  to  do 
my  part  with  courage  and  delight,  to  bear  the  bur- 
dens which  must  needs  be  borne,  whether  they 
come  of  my  old  sins  and  follies  or  of  the  necessary 
cares  of  work  on  earth.  Nor  ever  suffer  me  to  be  a 
rock  of  stumbling  before  others  in  my  word  or 
deed.    Amen. 


February  2  —  The  Fire  Within 

For  other  foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that 
which  is  laid,  which  is  Jesus  Christ.  But  if  any  man 
buildeth  on  that  foundation  .  .  .  each  man's  work 
shall  be  made  manifest:  .  .  .  because  it  is  revealed 
in  fire;  and  the  fire  itself  shall  prove  each  man's  work 
of  what  sort  it  is.  —  1  Cor.  3:11. 

Where  thou  dwellest,  0  my  God,  I  thank  thee 
that  clear  light  and  warmth  of  love  forever  glow. 
Come  and  abide  in  my  cold  heart  and  fill  it  with  thy 
genial  fire.  Though  winter  rules  without  and  earth 
lies  barren  under  frosty  skies,  let  there  be  fruitful 
life  and  joy  within.  Come  as  a  fire  to  burn  the  evil 
in  my  soul,  searching  out  every  wicked  thought  and 
selfish  hope  and  vain  affection.  Come  as  a  light  to 
make  the  way  of  duty  plain.  Come  with  new  hope 
and  joy  to  glorify  the  life  of  faith  and  work.  And 
let  this  warmth  and  light,  this  cleansing  and  im- 
pelling fire  I  ask  for  my  own  heart  be  given  to  others 
whom  I  see  distressed  and  hindered  by  the  trials  of 
the  way.  So  let  the  love  of  Christ  abide  and  rule 
and  make  thy  people  one  in  joyful  work  and  hope. 
Amen. 


30       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

February  3  —  Disappointments 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  This  is  the  land  which 
I  sware  unto  Abraham  .  .  .  saying,  I  will  give  it 
unto  thy  seed:  I  have  caused  thee  to  see  it  with  thine 
eyes,  hut  thou  shall  not  go  over  thither.  So  Moses  the 
servant  of  the  Lord  died  there  in  the  land  of  Moah, 
according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord. — Deid.  34  :  4- 

Lord,  in  thy  merciful  kindness,  remember  the 
hidden  desires  of  our  hearts  for  good  which  have 
failed  of  ripening  into  fruit-bearing.  Thou  knowest 
how  feeble  our  desire,  how  slight  our  strength,  how 
brief  our  day!  Our  hearts  are  bowed  before  thee 
in  remembering  how  often  we  have  done  the  things 
we  would  not  do  and  left  undone  the  things  of  our 
higher  purpose.  Thou  who  dost  not  break  the 
bruised  reed,  or  quench  the  smoking  flax,  leave  us 
not  to  discouragement  or  to  disheartened  hours, 
but  encourage  us  with  a  breath  of  thy  Spirit's 
blowing,  that  we  may  with  true  repentance  turn 
from  failure  and  endeavor  to  fulfil  thy  purpose  of 
holiness.  Lift  our  aspirations  out  of  the  lower  and 
turn  them  to  the  higher  joys.  Enter  not  into  judg- 
ment for  our  failures  but  remember  our  better 
wishes,  bringing  them  to  pass  by  the  power  thou 
givest.     And  to  thy  name  be  praise.     Amen. 

February  4  —  Against  Idolatry 

For  ye  died  and  your  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God. 
When  Christ,  who  is  our  life,  shall  be  manifested,  then 
shall  ye  also  be  with  him  manifested  in  glory.  Put 
to  death  therefore  your  members  which  are  upon  the 
earth;  fornication,  uncleanness,  passion,  evil  desire, 
and  covetousness,  which  is  idolatry.  —  Col.  3  :  S. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       31 

Keep  us,  0  God,  from  all  folly  of  idolatry,  whether 
of  the  gifts  of  earth  or  of  the  desires  and  imagina- 
tions of  our  own  hearts.  Let  not  the  lust  of  the 
flesh,  or  the  lust  of  the  eyes,  or  the  pride  of  life  have 
dominion  over  us.  Preserve  us  from  that  love  of 
money  which  is  a  snare  to  the  soul.  May  we  be 
diligent  in  business  as  faithful  stewards,  seeking 
justice  before  gain  and  loving  mercy  rather  than 
covetousness.  In  the  midst  of  business  may  our 
hearts  be  quick  to  hear  and  eager  to  obey  thy  will. 
If  riches  increase,  help  us  not  to  set  our  hearts  upon 
them.  If  they  take  wings,  help  us  not  to  lament  as 
those  who  have  been  stripped  of  all  their  treasure. 
Give  us  fixed  and  equal  minds  in  joy  and  woe,  in 
gain  or  loss;  forgiving  and  upholding,  enlightening 
and  making  joyful,  for  Jesus'  sake.     Amen. 


•  February  5  —  A  Consecrated  Day 

Be  not  therefore  anxious,  saying,  What  shall  we  eatf 
or  What  shall  we  drink  f  or  Wherewithal  shall  we  be 
clothed?  For  after  all  these  things  do  the  Gentiles 
seek;  for  your  heavenly  Father  knoweth  that  ye  have 
need  of  all  these  things.  Bid  seek  ye  first  his  kingdom 
and  his  righteousness;  and  all  these  things  shall  be 
added  unto  you.  —  Matt.  6  :  31. 

Lord,  since  thou  hast  loaned  me  today,  for  thine 
own  uses  and  for  mine,  help  me  to  use  it  both 
gratefully  and  well:  and  keep  me  in  thy  loving- 
kindness  from  taking  anxious  thought  for  the  re- 
sponsibilities of  tomorrow.  Teach  me  that  I  may 
safely  leave  all  these  anxieties  to  thee,  assured  of  thy 
fatherly  love  and  care  and  remembering  how  often 


32       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

thou  hast  helped  and  healed  me  in  the  ended  days. 
Remember  in  thy  mercy  all  troubled  and  anxious 
souls,  and  bring  them  to  the  faith  of  Christ  that 
takes  away  forebodings.  Help  all  thy  children  to 
face  the  evil  of  this  day  with  faithful  and  courageous 
hearts  ever  at  rest  in  thee.  And  give  us  according 
to  the  measure  of  thy  love  strength  and  confidence 
that  all  the  days  are  in  thy  keeping.    Amen. 


February  6  —  Confidence  of  Faith 

Then  came  the  disciples  to  Jesus  apart,  and  said. 
Why  could  not  we  cast  it  outf  And  he  saith  unto 
them,  Because  of  your  little  faith- — Matt.  17  :  19. 

0  God  our  Heavenly  Father,  in  thee  our  changing 
hearts  have  hope,  because  thou  changest  not.  Have 
mercy  on  our  var3dng  moods  and  keep  us  ever  in 
thy  steadfast  peace.  Remove  our  faith  from  quick- 
sands of  our  own  heart's  feeling  that  it  may  build 
with  confidence  on  thee.  Come  in  thy  love,  0  Lord, 
to  cleanse  our  hearts  and  dwell  therein;  and  never 
leave  us  to  our  weak  forebodings  or  the  trial  of  our 
doubts.  In  our  uncertainties  we  would  rest  upon 
thy  perfect  knowledge  of  our  life  and  need.  Ac- 
cording to  thy  grace  and  our  capacity  make  us  like 
Christ  in  all  humility  and  service.  Upon  thee  we 
cast  our  care,  for  thou  hast  called  and  quickened  us, 
and  we  thank  thee  that  though  our  tides  of  feeling 
ebb  and  flow,  the  purpose  of  thy  love  can  never 
change.  So  grant  us  rest  of  quiet  and  unswerving 
faith  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       33 

February  7  —  Brotherly  Love 

And  one  of  thern,  a  lawyer,  asked  him  a  question, 
tempting  him:  Teacher,  which  is  the  great  co7nmandment 
in  the  law?  And  he  said  unto  him,  Thou  shall  love 
the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy 
soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind.  This  is  the  great  and 
first  commandment.  And  a  second  like  unto  it  is 
this,  Thou  shall  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  —  Matt. 
22  :  85. 

0  Lord,  grant  us  so  to  love  thee  with  all  our 
heart,  with  all  our  mind,  and  all  our  soul,  and  our 
neighbor  for  thy  sake;  that  the  grace  of  charity  and 
brotherly  love  may  dwell  in  us,  and  all  envy,  harsh- 
ness and  ill  will  may  die  in  us.  Fill  our  hearts  with 
love,  kindness  and  compassion,  so  that,  by  con- 
stantly rejoicing  in  the  happiness  and  good  success  of 
others,  by  sympathizing  with  them  in  their  sorrows 
and  putting  away  all  harsh  judgments  and  envious 
thoughts,  we  may  follow  thee,  who  art  thyself  the 
true  and  perfect  Love.     Amen. 

February  8  —  In  Times  of  Change 

My  days  are  like  a  shadow  that  declineth.  .  .  . 
But  thou,  0  Lord,  shall  abide  for  ever.  .  .  .  Thou  shall 
arise  and  have  mercy  upon  Zion:  for  it  is  time  to 
have  pity  upon  her,  yea,  the  set  time  is  come. — Psalm 
102  :  11. 

Save  us,  0  Lord,  from  all  disheartenment  in  the 
changes  of  the  earth,  being  well  assured  that,  though 
we  perish,  thy  purpose  shall  be  accomplished  in 
thine  own  right  time.  Enable  us  unfeignedly  to 
believe,  when  some  whom  we  would  lean  upon  de- 
part, that  thou  failest  never  and  there  is  neither 


34       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

faltering  nor  discouragement  with  thee.  Thy  will 
be  done  in  all  the  changes  of  our  time;  and  ever- 
more thy  will  be  done!  Forgive  the  frequent  selfish- 
ness of  our  petitions  and  grant  us  ever  that  which 
is  best  for  our  spirit's  life.  We  thank  thee,  that  thou 
hast  made  us  welcome_  to  thine  own  heart,  though 
thou  hast  not  made  our  continuance  needful  for  the 
world's  going  on.  Thou  who  dost  raise  up  men  and 
remove  them  according  to  thy  just  and  loving  will, 
O  let  thy  kingdom  come!  Let  our  eyes  see  it,  and 
our  hands  have  part!  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 


February  9  —  Good  Days  with  God 

Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul;  and  all  that  is  within 
me,  hless  his  holy  name.  Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  sold, 
and  forget  not  all  his  benefits:  Who  forgiveth  all 
thine  iniquities;  .  .  .  Who  crowneth  thee  with  loving- 
kindness  and  tender  mercies. — Psalm  103  : 1. 

Thou  Light  and  Joy  of  all  who  live,  my  Father 
and  my  Friend,  I  thank  thee  for  good  days  spent 
with  thee  and  for  cherished  hopes  of  years  to 
come.  Keep  me  all  day  and  every  day  in  this  good 
mind  of  thankfulness  and  add  as  thou  wilt,  joy 
upon  joy.  Let  there  be  thy  continual  peace  in 
my  heart  and  may  the  reflection  of  thy  face  make  my 
face  shine  in  the  sight  of  men.  Let  me  not  forget 
thy  mercy,  or  darken  any  day  with  the  shadow  of 
my  peevishness.  I  thank  thee  for  the  companion- 
ship of  illuminated  lives  in  which  I  have  discovered 
the  reflection  of  thy  light.  Let  me  have  part  in 
that  Christlike  companionship,  not  thinking  I  am 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       35 

worthy,  but  that  thou  art  great  in  love  and  givest 
thyself  to  those  who  long  for  thee.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.     Amen. 


February  10  —  The  Forward  Look 

For  the  needy  shall  not  always  be  forgotten,  nor  the 
expectation  of  the  poor  jjerish  forever.  Arise.  0 
Lord;  let  not  man  prevail;  let  the  nations  be  judged  in 
thy  sight. — Psalm  9  :  18. 

We  thank  thee,  Lord,  for  all  the  mercies  of  the 
past;  for  love  and  teaching,  home  and  friends  and 
lovingkindness.  We  thank  thee  for  our  confidence 
of  the  forward  look,  our  hope  that  grows  to  expecta- 
tion in  daily  experience  of  thy  care.  Give  us  the 
assurance  of  faith  which  belongs  to  those  who  have 
been  made  partakers  of  the  life  of  Christ  and  sharers 
of  his  work  with  men.  Lord,  let  thy  Kingdom 
come!  Make  an  end  of  sin  and  cruelty,  of  war  and 
hate  and  give  the  kingdom  to  thy  Son.  In  his 
name.     Amen. 

February  11  —  Bringing  Gifts 

Now  concerning  the  collection  for  the  saints,  as  I 

gave   order   to  the  churches  of  Galatia,  so  also  do  ye. 

Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week  let  each  one  of  you  lay 

by  him  in  store,  as  he  may  prosper,  that  no  collections 

be  made  ivhen  I  come.  —  1  Cor.  16  : 1. 

Accept,  0  Lord,  from  that  which  thou  thyself 
hast  given  us,  all  thou  desirest  for  the  upbuilding  of 
thy  kingdom.  Let  us  not  say,  "  Tomorrow  we 
will  begin  to  offer,  when  we  have  received  more 


36       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

largely  from  thy  hand."  Though  we  are  children, 
and  can  do  little,  we  desire  to  be  thy  helpers;  and 
though  we  cannot  understand  thy  great  affairs,  we 
seek  thy  help  that  we  may  busy  ourselves  joyfully 
in  the  work  which  thou  hast  given  us  to  do.  Keep 
us  from  thoughts  of  self  that  shut  away  the  claims 
of  other  men,  and  from  the  idle  dreams  that  hinder 
care  for  those  at  hand.  Let  the  brotherhood  of  thy 
house  be  dear  to  us,  interpreting  the  deep  thoughts 
of  thy  fatherhood.  Use  in  thy  work  the  little  we 
can  bring  and  feed  our  souls  with  good  in  helping 
others.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


February    12  —  Lincoln's    Birthday.     For    the 

Nation 

I  exhort,  therefore,  first  of  all,  that  supplications, 
prayers,  intercessions,  thanksgivings  he  made  for 
all  men;  for  kings  and  all  that  are  in  high  place; 
that  ive  may  lead  a  tranquil  and  quiet  life  in  all  godli- 
ness and  gravity.  —  1  Tim.  2:1. 

We  thank  thee,  Lord,  that  thou  hast  raised  up 
leaders  for  us  in  our  times  of  need,  men  of  faith  and 
courage  through  whom  we  have  been  enabled  to  go 
forward  into  brighter  days.  Thou  who  hast  given 
us  Washington  and  Lincoln,  choose  for  us  men  like- 
minded  for  our  places  of  authority.  Give  to  our 
people  true  discernment  and  good  will  to  follow 
where  they  lead,  that  we  may  not  fail  in  any  time 
of  perplexity  or  fear.  Purify  the  life  of  the  nation. 
Make  us  faithful  in  loyalty,  resolute  in  action,  just 
and  true  in  word  and  deed,  good  neighbors,  both 
one  with  another  and  in  the  family  of  the  peoples 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       37 

of  the  earth.  Give  wisdom  to  our  executives,  our 
legislators  and  our  judges.  Make  our  homes  pure 
and  joyful,  enabling  us  to  live  in  the  assurance  of 
thy  presence,  working  together  as  thy  children. 
Make  us  both  just  and  considerate  in  all  our  per- 
sonal and  business  relations.  May  all  who  teach 
and  all  who  study  in  our  schools  be  taught  of  thee. 
So  let  thy  kingdom  come  and  thy  will  be  done  among 
us.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


February  13  —  He  Who  Hath  Led,  Will  Lead 

And  the  Lord  went  before  them  by  day  in  a  pillar 
of  cloud,  to  lead  them  in  the  way,  and  by  night  in  a 
pillar  of  fire  to  give  them  light:  that  they  might  go  by 
day  and  by  night.  — Ex.  13  :  21. 

Heavenly  Father,  who  hast  taken  thought  for  us 
this  day,  we  bring  our  heart's  gratitude  and  our 
heart's  desire  to  thee  in  perfect  confidence  and 
childlike  faith.  Thou  who  hast  led  us  hitherto, 
lead  us  to  the  end!  Give  strength  to  the  weak; 
care  for  the  needs  of  all  and  for  the  special  need  of 
each;  pardon  our  iniquities  and  give  us  help  for 
service.  Make  us  like  thyself  in  holiness  as  thou 
hast  made  us  free  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Let 
thy  work  appear  unto  thy  servants  and  thy  glory 
unto  our  children.  And  may  we  walk  erect,  as 
becometh  sons  and  daughters  of  the  Most  High 
God,  meeting  earth's  cares  with  cheerful  hearts 
because  thou  carest  for  us  with  unfailing  love. 
Amen. 


38       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

February  14  —  Loyalty  to  Christ 

Only  let  your  manner  of  life  be  worthy  of  the  good 
tidings  of  Christ;  that,  whether  I  come  and  see  you 
or  he  absent,  I  rnay  hear  of  your  state,  that  ye  stand 
fast  in  one  spirit,  unth  one  soul  striving  for  the  faith 
of  the  good  tidings.  —  Phil.  1  :  27. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hast  given  thyself  to  our 
humanity  and  committed  thy  witness  to  our  hands, 
let  us  not  betray  thee  by  unrighteous  living  in  the 
sight  of  men.  Nor  let  us  be  content  with  idle  days 
or  slight  achievements  in  the  way  of  faith  and  love. 
We  thank  thee  for  thy  patience  and  thy  trust;  that 
when  we  are  in  despair  about  ourselves,  thy  hopes 
are  high  for  our  abundant  victory;  that  when  experi- 
ence of  failure  brings  discouragement,  thou  dost  still 
offer  aid  and  opportunity.  Let  the  thought  of  thy 
great  faith  in  us  lead  on  to  new  endeavor.  In  the 
genial  atmosphere  of  the  Father's  house,  where 
thou  hast  invited  us  to  dwell,  build  up  in  us  the 
confidence  of  children  who  have  their  Father's 
blessing  upon  his  appointed  work.  And  to  th}^ 
name  be  praise.     Amen. 


February  15  —  Withheld  Completions 

For  behold  your  calling,  brethren,  that  not  many 
ivise  after  the  flesh,  not  many  7nighty,  not  many  noble 
are  called:  but  .  .  .  God  chose  the  weak  things  of 
the  ivorld,  that  he  might  put  to  shame  the  things  that 
are  strong:  that  no  flesh  should  glory  before  God.  — 
1  Cor.  1  :  26. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       39 

Have  mercy  upon  us,  0  God,  in  the  temptation 
of  our  unsatisfied  desires  and  the  perplexity  of  our 
disappointments.  Teach  us  that  childUke  faith  in 
the  simphcity  of  which  is  perfect  rest.  We  thank 
thee  that  thy  purposes  are  larger  than  our  thought 
or  hope;  and  that  thy  love  denies  as  well  as  gives. 
So  help  us  to  set  our  hearts  upon  the  doing  of  thy 
will  and  to  rest  upon  thy  care,  that  each  present 
withholding  may  bring  us  assurance  of  a  wider  good. 
Hear  our  petitions  for  the  gifts  of  earth  according 
to  thy  wisdom,  and  not  our  ignorant  desire.  Let 
not  the  fulfillments  of  this  present  time  become  the 
disappointments  of  the  eternal  life,  nor  the  plea- 
sures of  today  sources  of  weakness  for  tomorrow. 
Forgive  us  our  weak  striving,  our  impatient  yieldings 
to  self-will,  our  unresisted  doubts  and  fears.  Con- 
firm in  us  thy  strength,  that  when  our  time  of  bless- 
ing comes  and  thy  love  provides  according  to  our 
heart's  desire,  we  may  be  ready  to  make  the  noblest 
use  of  every  opportunity.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

February  16  —  The  Word  of  God 

These  are  my  words  ivhich  I  spake  unto  you,  while 
I  was  yet  with  you,  that  all  things  must  needs  he  ful- 
filled which  are  written  in  the  law  of  Moses,  and  the 
prophets,  and  the  psalms,  concerning  me.  Then 
opened  he  their  mind,  that  they  might  understand  the 
scriptures.  — Luke  24  •'  44' 

0  Lord,  who  hast  revealed  thyseK  in  Jesus  Christ 
and  hast  caused  him  to  be  spoken  of  by  prophets, 
apostles  and  evangelists,  help  us  to  read  the  books 
which  they  have  written  with  a  lively  faith  and  glad 


40       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

appropriation  of  thy  message  to  our  hearts.  Spirit 
of  God,  whose  indwelling  is  our  hope,  take  thou  of 
the  things  of  Christ  and  show  them  unto  us.  Make 
thy  Word  a  lamp  to  our  feet  and  a  Hght  to  our 
path.  Help  us  to  fill  our  minds  with  songs  of 
praise  and  gracious  words  of  promise,  and  from  these 
stores  of  memory  give  us  a  fitting  word  for  every 
trial  and  temptation.  May  we  be  doers  of  the  Word 
and  not  hearers  only,  to  the  help  of  others  and  the 
glory  of  thy  grace  which  hath  redeemed  us  and 
made  us  kings  and  priests  to  God  through  Christ. 
Amen. 

February  17  —  For  the  Homeless 

And  he  said  to  him  also  that  had  bidden  him.  .  .  . 
But  when  thou  makest  a  feast,  hid  the  poor,  the 
maimed,  the  lame,  the  blind:  and  thou  shalt  be  blessed: 
because  they  have  not  wherewith  to  recompense  thee; 
for  thou  shalt  be  recompensed  in  the  resurrection  of 
the  just.  — Luke  14-  :  12. 

Remember,  our  Father  in  heaven,  who  didst  send 
thy  Son  into  a  home  of  loving  care,  those  who  for 
work  or  study  are  away  from  the  restraints  and 
ideals  of  their  own  homes.  Guard  their  thoughts, 
that  they  forget  not  thee.  Keep  them  from  the 
failures  and  distresses  of  sin  and  from  the  charm 
of  the  alluring-  face  of  evil,  giving  them  power  to 
choose  and  keeping  them  from  the  bitter  penalties 
of  neglect.  Help  us,  to  whom  thou  hast  given  the 
joy  of  home,  to  be  very  thoughtful  for  the  homeless 
and  ready  to  be  friends  with  them,  not  in  pride 
or  patronage,  but  as  brothers  and  sisters  of  all  thy 
children.     And  this  we  ask  in  the  name  of  him  who 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS      41 

had  the  most  loving  heart,  and  yet  for  the  love  of 
man  was  homeless  and  knew  not  where  to  lay  his 
head.     Amen. 

February  18  —  Walking  with  God 

And  the  king  .  .  .  made  a  covenant  before  the 
Lord,  to  walk  after  the  Lord,  and  to  keep  his  command- 
ments, and  his  testimonies,  aiid  his  statutes  with  all 
his  heart  and  all  his  soul.  —  2  Kings  23  :  3. 

We  crave  thy  presence,  Father,  in  all  experience 
of  life:  to  bring  us  light  in  darkness,  to  clear  our 
hearts  of  evil  affections,  to  enable  us  to  learn  the 
true  proportion  of  what  the  world  offers.  All  the 
day  long  we  would  walk  with  thee,  assured  that 
when  our  hearts  are  taken  up  with  the  work  to 
which  thou  sendest  us,  thou  art  never  forgetful  of 
our  needs  or  jealous  of  our  interests.  Let  there 
be  windows  in  our  souls,  that  looking  out  we  may 
see  thy  glory.  Give  us  also,  we  beseech  thee,  happy 
hours  when  we  may  draw  near  with  free  delight  and 
find  thy  rest  lifting  us  out  of  weariness.     Amen. 

February  19  —  True  Liberty 

Let  thy  lovingkindnesses  also  come  unto  me,  0 
Lord,  even  thy  salvation,  according  to  thy  word.  .  .  . 
So  shall  I  observe  thy  law  continually  for  ever  and 
veer.  And  I  will  walk  at  liberty;  for  I  have  sought 
thy  precepts.  —  Psalm  119  :  41- 

Thou  Friend  of  sinners  and  Lover  of  the  poor, 
help  us  to  look  with  thy  clear  eyes  upon  the  world, 
that  we  may  love  what  thou  lovest  and  turn  from 
that  which  thou  canst  not  approve.     Keep  us  from 


42       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

hidden  sins  which  work  within  to  spoil  the  spirit's 
strength.  While  we  remember  the  sacrifice  of 
Christ  in  life  and  death,  let  us  count  no  life  worthy 
which  is  not  approved  of  thee,  and  no  death  fearful 
except  the  yielding  of  the  soul  to  sin.  Thou  Lord 
of  Life  and  Giver  of  Freedom,  break  all  chains  of 
evil  which  have  held  us  fast  and  enable  us  to  come 
forth  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God. 
Open  our  eyes  to  see  the  beauty  of  thy  holiness  and 
give  us  hearts  to  love  thy  law  and  to  obey  it.  For- 
give and  strengthen;  rejoice  our  hearts  in  thy  com- 
panionship; and  fulfil  in  us  thy  purposes  of  good. 
Amen. 

February  20  —  The  Intercessor 

A  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new  spirit 
will  I  put  within  you;  and  I  will  take  away  the  stony 
heart  out  of  your  flesh,  and  I  will  give  you  a  heart  of 
flesh.  And  I  ivill  put  my  Spirit  within  you  .  .  .  and 
ye  shall  be  my  people,  and  I  will  be  your  God.  — Ezek. 
36  :  26. 

Spirit  of  the  Living  God  who  makest  intercession 
for  the  flock  of  Christ,  plead  thou  for  me  when  I  am 
weary  and  know  not  how  to  ask  or  what  I  need. 
Then  speak  for  me  and  give  me  restful  quiet  in  my 
soul.  And  when  in  blindness  of  my  heart  I  ask 
amiss,  take  thou  of  the  things  of  Christ  and  show 
them  unto  me  that  I  may  cease  to  cherish  any  wish 
more  than  the  coming  of  his  kingdom  and  the  doing 
of  his  will.  Make  my  petitions  fruitful,  guiding 
wish  and  thought.  Make  them  joyful  with  assur- 
ance of  thy  love.  Help  me  to  be  thankful  in  re- 
membrance of  thy  mercy  and  to  commit  my  way 
to  thee  in  cheerful  faith.     In  Jesus'  name.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       43 

February  21  —  Unnoticed  Saints 

Jesus  saiv  Nathmiael  coming  to  him  and  saith  of 
him,  Behold  an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  is  no  guile. 
Nathanael  saith  unto  him,  Whence  knowest  thou  mef 
Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Before  Philip 
called  thee,  when  thou  wast  under  the  fig  tree,  I  saw 
thee.  —  John  1  :  1^7 . 

We  thank  thee,  Lord,  for  quiet  and  unnoticed 
saints  by  whom  the  leaven  of  thy  grace  is  kept  at 
work  in  human  Ufe.  For  their  simpHcity  of  faith 
and  joy  of  hope  and  still  activities  of  love,  we  who 
are  often  troubled  and  perplexed,  forsaking  service 
and  forgetting  cheer,  bring  thee  our  praise.  As  thou 
hast  helped  them  in  their  overcoming,  Lord  help 
us!  As  thou,  hast  given  them  peace  and  joy,  give 
also  unto  us.  Help  us  to  look  with  open  eyes  and 
sympathizing  hearts,  that  we  may  recognize  the 
presence  of  these  silent  lives  of  helpful  stewardship. 
Make  us  faithful  in  our  place  and  work,  that  out  of 
the  experience  of  thy  companionship  we  may  come 
to  full  assurance  of  faith.  Yea,  Lord,  though  our 
lives  must  needs  be  troubled,  grant  us  this  quietness 
of  heart,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

February    22  —  Washington's    Birthday.    The 
Pathmakers 

Then  shalt  thou  understand  righteousness  and 
justice,  and  equity,  yea,  every  good  path.  .  .  .  That 
thou  may  est  walk  in  the  way  of  good  men,  and  keep 
the  paths  of  the  righteous.  —  Prov.  2  :  9,  20. 

Thou  who  art  more  ready  to  lead  than  we  to 
follow,  Guide  and  Helper  of  our  days,  arm  us  against 
the  misleading  voices  that  allure  us  into  evil  paths 


44      PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

and  against  the  weakness  of  our  own  hearts.  Help 
us  to  take  considerate  thought  for  thee  in  all  we  do. 
Teach  us  to  direct  our  way  toward  the  light  which 
thou  hast  set  for  us.  We  remember  with  gratitude 
and  thanksgiving  those  who  have  gone  before,  the 
pathmakers  who  have  shown  the  road  through 
many  a  difficult  place.  We  thank  thee  for  their 
lives  and  efforts,  the  remembrance  of  their  struggle 
and  their  victory.  For  pioneers  and  patriots,  for 
all  who  have  risked  or  laid  down  their  lives  that  we 
might  live  in  peace  and  safetj^,  we  give  thee  thanks. 
As  we  move  forward,  seeking  the  right  path  through 
the  darkness  of  the  world  amid  the  perplexities  of 
our  own  ignorance,  teach  us  to  give  thought  also 
to  those  who  shall  come  after,  making  straight 
paths  for  our  feet,  lest  the  lame  should  be  hurt  in 
the  way  as  they  follow  after  us.  So  let  thy  way  be 
ours  and  let  no  man  suffer  for  our  wanderings.  In 
the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

February  23  —  The  Glory  of  Opportunity 

*  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  u7ito  a  treasure  hid 
in  the  field;  which  a  man  found  and  hid;  and  in 
his  joy  he  goeth  and  selleth  all  that  he  hath,  and  buyeth 
thatfixld.  --  Matt.  13  :  U. 

Creator  and  Lover  of  man,  who  for  our  redemp- 
tion gavest  thy  Son  to  be  our  brother  of  the  mortal 
and  immortal  life,  we  thank  thee  for  the  glory  of 
opportunity  thou  givest  us  to  share.  Perfect  us 
toward  thine  own  thought  of  an  ideal  humanity. 
We  praise  thee  for  our  bodies  —  eye  and  ear  re- 
sponsive to  the  waves  of  light  and  sound,  joy  of 
health,  power  to  labor  and  endure.     Help  us  to 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       45 

train  these  powers  in  glad  obedience  and  service. 
We  thank  thee  for  the  triumphs  of  the  mind  — 
invention  and  discovery,  grasp  of  knowledge,  won- 
ders of  art.  We  rejoice  in  thy  gift  of  the  dream 
and  endeavor  toward  the  perfect  brotherhood  of 
man.  Thou  art  the  true  glory  of  humanity.  In 
thee  we  live  and  move  and  have  our  being.  We 
thank  thee  for  the  communion  of  our  spirits  with 
thy  Spirit,  for  thy  confidence  in  us,  thy  good  provi- 
sion and  our  enduring  life  with  thee.     Amen. 

February  24  —  The  Presence  of  God 

/  have  set  the  Lord  always  before  me:  because  he  is 
at  my  right  hand,  I  shall  not  be  moved.  .  .  .  Thou 
wilt  show  me  the  path  of  life.  In  thy  presence  is 
fulness  of  joy;  in  thy  right  hand  there  are  pleasures 
for  evermore.  —  Psalm  16  :  8. 

Giver  of  all  joy,  our  loving  Heavenly  Father, 
let  our  quiet  times  and  hours  of  rest  be  filled  with  a 
delightful  sense  of  thy  presence  and  grant  us  help 
in  times  of  pleasure  that  we  may  not  offend  against 
thy  law  of  love.  Give  us  to  see  more  of  thy  thought 
in  the  beauty  of  the  earth  and  of  thy  purpose  in  the 
lives  of  men.  Increase  our  sympathy  with  our 
brothers  in  their  pleasure  and  their  pain.  Renew 
our  strength,  quicken  our  faculties,  that  we  may  be 
better  fitted  for  the  work  which  thou  hast  given  us 
to  do.  We  thank  thee  for  thy  fatherly  love  and 
care  in  days  gone  by,  for  wayside  mercies  and  the 
satisfactions  and  compensations  of  our  work.  To 
thee  be  praise  for  thy  continual  goodness  and  for 
our  hope  of ^ the  eternal  life  with  thee.  In  the  name 
of  Christ.     Amen. 


46       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

February  25  —  The  Needs  of  Others 

But  he,  desiring  to  justify  himself,  said  unto  Jesus, 
And  who  is  my  neighbor?  .  .  .  Which  of  these  three, 
thinkest  thou,  proved  neighbor  unto  him  that  fell 
among  the  robbers?  And  he  said.  He  that  showed 
mercy  on  him.  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Go,  and 
do  thou  likewise.  — Luke  10  :  29. 

Father  in  heaven,  forgive  us  that  in  hours  of 
trial  we  forget  the  needs  of  others  in  asking  thee  to 
meet  our  own  necessities  with  good.  We  thank  thee 
that  thou  hast  taught  us  to  love  our  neighbor  as 
ourself  and  founded  our  best  joys  on  the  true 
brotherhood  of  man.  Remember  all  whom  thou 
hast  loved  and  whom  Christ  came  to  save  —  the 
sick,  the  sorrowing,  those  who  are  cast  down  in 
thought  of  their  own  sin  and  failure,  or  who  are 
greatly  tempted.  Help  us  all  to  overcome  by  the 
indwelling  of  thy  power.  Remember  those  whom 
thou  hast  given  us  in  special  love.  Though  we  are 
often  helpless  in  their  time  of  need,  help  us  with  an 
unfaltering  faith  to  trust  them  to  thy  unforgetting 
care.  Cure  us  of  selfish  will,  that  we  may  enter 
into  the  communion  of  thy  fellow  workers,  where  all 
are  brethren  of  Christ  and  where  thy  love  provides. 
In  the  name  of  the  interceding  Christ.     Amen. 


February  26  —  The  School  of  Christ 

Though  he  was  a  Son,  yet  learned  obedience  by 
the  things  which  he  suffered;  and  having  been  made 
perfect,  he  became  unto  all  them  that  obey  him  the 
author  of  eterncd  salvation.  —  Heb.  5  :  8. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       47 

Since  thou  hast  brought  me  to  the  school  of  Christ, 
my  Father,  help  me  to  be  always  of  a  teachable  and 
willing  mind,  leading  me  on  from  class  to  class  until 
thou  countest  me  prepared  to  go  out  into  some  wider 
world  of  work  and  joy.  Search  my  heart  and  clear 
it  of  every  evil  thing.  Purify  my  thoughts,  that  I 
may  see  thee  and  the  way  of  life  where  thou  givest 
thyself  to  thy  children.  Let  me  become  a  friend  to 
all  my  comrades  of  the  school,  gaining  from  each 
what  each  has  learned  of  thee  and  growing  con- 
tinually stronger  in  happy  and  helpful  companion- 
ships. I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  thought  me  fit 
for  training,  and  for  thy  aid  that  never  fails  in  my 
hard  places.  Fashion  my  heart  to  thine  own  vision 
and  desire,  that  thou  and  I  may  both  be  satisfied. 
In  the  name  of  Christ,  who  studied  with  us  in  the 
school.    Amen. 


February  27  —  Gracious  Living 

Look  therefore  carefully  how  ye  walk,  not  as  unwise, 
hut  as  wise,  buying  up  the  opportunity,  because  the 
days  are  evil.  .  .  .  Speaking  to  yourselves  in  psalms 
and  hymns  and  spiritual  songs,  singing  and  7naking 
7nelody  with  your  heart  to  the  Lord.  — Eph.  5  :  15. 

Forgive  me,  0  my  Father,  that  I  go  about  my 
needful  but  disagreeable  work  ungraciously,  and 
that,  even  though  I  suppress  complaint,  my  heart 
is  often  angry  and  dissatisfied.  Show  me  the  neces- 
sity of  the  work  and  the  shame  of  my  querulous 
lamenting.  Finish  thy  work  in  my  heart,  I  beseech 
thee,  and  give  me  ever  a  cheerful  and  joyful  spirit, 
wholly  proof  against  the  temptation  of  complaining. 


48       PRAYERS  AND  THANKGSIVINGS 

Increase  my  strength  and  make  it  sufficient  for  all 
thou  givest  me  to  do.  Make  even  drudgery  a 
school  of  holiness.  And  when  the  burden  of  this 
seeming  thankless  task  is  heavy,  let  me  remember  all 
the  easy  and  delightful  hours  which  thou  hast 
given  me  —  the  rest  of  night,  the  refreshment  of 
love  and  above  all  the  constant  sustaining  of  thy 
presence.  Take  not  my  opportunities  from  me, 
my  God,  but  help  me  to  use  them  to  the  uttermost 
for  love  of  thee.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


February  28  —  In  His  Image 

But  we  all,  with  unveiled  face,  reflecting  as  a  mirror 
the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are  transformed  into  the  same 
image  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as  from  the  Lord  the 
Spirit.  — 2  Cor.  3  :  18. 

Thou  who  art  the  life  of  the  world,  reveal  thyself 
in  our  hearts  that  we  may  bear  continual  witness 
to  thy  presence  in  all  we  do  and  say.  Thou  who 
hast  given  thy  Son  for  light  and  beauty  in  our  dark- 
ness, let  some  tokens  of  his  power  be  shown  in  us, 
whom  thou  in  infinite  love  hast  made  thy  children. 
Oh,  let  thy  church  be  like  its  Lord!  its  living  stones 
shaped  after  the  pattern  of  him  who  is  the  corner- 
stone, its  joy  to  do  his  commandments  and  draw 
men  unto  him.  Let  there  be  in  us,  0  Lord,  that 
spirit  of  love  and  self-giving  which  becomes  the 
followers  of  him  who  gave  his  life  for  the  world. 
Deliver  us  from  our  devouring  selfishness  and  keep 
us  from  the  power  of  all  temptation.  In  the  name 
of  Christ.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       49 

February  29  —  The  Open  Vision 

Howheit  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is  come,  he 
shall  guide  you  into  all  the  truth.  .  .  .  He  shall 
glorify  me;  for  he  shall  take  of  mine,  and  shall  declare 
it  unto  you.  —  Johri  16  :  13. 

Give  me,  my  God,  the  ready  mind  and  willing 
heart  to  which  thy  Holy  Spirit  can  reveal  high 
thoughts  and  happy  visions  of  thy  kingdom.  Open 
the  eyes  of  my  soul,  that  I  may  understand  thy  law 
of  love  within  me  and  without,  and  know  the  power 
of  Christ  as  Head  and  Saviour  of  the  world  of  men. 
Show  me  more  of  thyself,  0  God,  in  the  glory  of  thy 
power  —  Lord  of  all  light.  Wonder  of  all  love, 
nearer  than  all,  yet  far  above  my  thought  in  purity 
and  justice.  Purge  my  vision  and  control  my 
thoughts  that  I  may  come  to  be  among  the  pure  in 
heart  to  whom  it  is  given  to  see  thee.  And  as  I 
look  and  love  may  thy  likeness  grow  in  me,  that  I 
may  serve  my  neighbor  as  thou  dost  bless  and  help 
all  peoples  and  generations  on  the  earth.  In  the 
name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


March  1  —  Proving  Our  Ways 

Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens,  and  so  fulfil  the  law 
of  Christ.  .  .  .  But  let  each  man  prove  his  own  work, 
and  then  shall  he  have  glorying  in  regard  of  himself 
alone,  and  not  of  his  neighbor.  For  each  man  shall 
bear  his  own  burden.  —  Gal.  6  :  2. 

Almighty  and  all-seeing  God,  assist  me  by  thy 
Holy  Spirit  that  I  may  prove  and  try  my  way  and 
turn  from  every  evil   thought  and  word.     Teach 


50       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

me  to  discern  the  evil  from  the  good  and  neither  to 
excuse  what  thou  condemnest  nor  to  cherish  bitter 
remembrance  or  angry  self-reproach  where  thou, 
for  Christ's  sake,  hast  forgiven  and  blotted  my 
transgressions  out  of  thy  book.  May  I  learn  alike 
from  thy  lovingkindness  and  from  the  recollected 
follies  of  my  way,  true  charity  for  others  and  a 
forgiving  spirit  in  all  the  vexations  and  injuries  of 
life.  Help  me  not  to  be  discouraged  with  mj'-self, 
not  to  make  light  of  sin,  but  to  turn  away  from  self 
to  thee  in  true  repentance  and  eager  desire,  for 
purity  and  service.  And  quicken  thou  in  me  thy 
life,  through  the  indwelling  of  the  Holj^  Spirit. 
For  Jesus'  sake.     Amen. 

March  2  — Active  Humility 

But  the  publican,  standing  afar  off,  would  not  lift 
up  so  much  as  his  eyes  to  heaven,  but  smote  upon  his 
breast,  sayi7ig,  God,  be  thou  merciful  to  me,  a  sinner. 
I  say  unto  you,  This  man  went  down  to  his  house 
justified  rather  than  the  other;  for  every  one  that 
exalteth  himself  shall  be  humbled;  but  he  that  humbleth 
himself  shall  be  exalted.  — Luke  18  :  13. 

Our  Father,  who  art  good  to  all  and  hast  need  of 
all,  we  thank  thee  that  thou  rememberest  the  lowly 
and  dost  use  our  weak  lives  for  thy  wise  designs. 
Write  our  names  among  the  faithful  that  we  may 
live  with  thee  and  be  partakers  of  thy  thought  and 
have  our  share  in  thy  eternal  joy.  We  bless  thee 
for  those  who  have  given  their  all,  for  love  that  seeks 
another's  good,  forgetful  of  its  own,  for  home  minis- 
tries and  neighborly  devotion.  Cure  us  also  of  the 
desire  to  be  first,  of  parade  in  worship,  of  covetous 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       51 

eyes  and  selfish  hearts,  of  that  anxiety  for  the  needs 
of  today  that  robs  us  of  joyful  confidence  in  thee. 
Amen. 

March  3  —  The  Golden  Law  of  Love 

Hoiv  precious  is  thy  lovingkindness,  0  God!  Arid 
the  children  of  men  take  refuge  under  the  shadow  of 
thy  wings.  .  .  .  For  with  thee  is  the  fountain  of  life: 
in  thy  light  shall  ive  see  light.  Oh,  continue  thy 
lovingkindness  unto  them  that  knoiv  thee,  and  thy 
righteousness  to  the  upright  in  heart.  —  Psalm 
36  :  7. 

Thou  who  hast  loved  us  and  hast  made  our  fives 
a  witness  of  thy  care,  we  thank  thee  for  the  joy  of 
our  affection  toward  thee  and  toward  our  brothers 
of  this  laboring  and  overcoming  life.  Oh,  lift  our 
thought  from  lesser  things  to  live  with  thee  in  that 
clear  atmosphere  of  love!  Rid  us  of  idle  hopes,  of 
sensual  and  selfish  wishes,  that  we  may  walk  with 
thee  in  ever  growing  satisfaction,  finding  the  work 
thou  givest  us  a  continual  delight,  and  upheld  in 
patient  waiting  for  the  fulfilment  of  thy  plans. 
Let  this  love  and  joy  be  living  in  our  hearts,  that 
we  may  grow  into  thy  likeness.  When  in  folly  we 
forget  thee,  our  just  and  loving  Father,  let  thy 
thoughts  summon  us  and  thy  love  come  forth  to 
meet  us  on  the  way.  0  Fountain  inexhaustible 
of  grace  and  truth,  satisfy  thou  our  hearts  and  they 
shall  be  content  in  thee.     Amen. 


52      PRx^YERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

March  4  —  Conflict  and  Confidence 

But  thanks  be  to  God,  who  giveth  us  the  victory 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Wherefore,  my  beloved 
brethren,  be  ye  steadfast,  unmovable,  always  abounding 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  forasmuch  as  ye  know  that 
your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  —  1  Cor.  15  '.57. 

We  thank  thee,  Lord,  that  thou  hast  chosen  us 
for  strength  instead  of  sheltered  innocence  and 
weakness.  We  bless  thee  that  thou  hast  summoned 
us  to  conflict  and  put  the  victory  of  faith  within  our 
grasp.  Give  us  a  strength  above  our  own  and  feed 
the  flame  of  our  enthusiasm  with  continual  renewal 
of  thy  gifts  of  faith  and  love.  Shape  all  events  and 
experiences  of  our  lives  for  overcoming.  Endue 
us  with  wisdom  by  the  power  of  thy  Holy  Spirit 
and  make  us  helpful  in  our  generation,  showing  thy 
love  in  lives  which  thou  hast  renewed  and  sustained. 
Give  us  the  victory  over  even  our  besetting  sins,  to 
thine  own  glory  in  our  own  eternal  peace.  Forgive 
the  transgressions  of  our  careless  hours  and  all  the 
follies  of  our  lives.  Teach  us  to  watch  for  opportun- 
ity, never  content  to  sit  at  ease  when  there  are 
victories  to  be  won  for  thee,  nor  easily  cast  down 
when  evil  seems  to  triumph  in  the  earth.  And 
make  us  sharers,  according  to  thy  promise,  of  Christ's 
joy  of  overcoming  in  the  risen  life.     Amen. 


March  5  —  The  Friends  of  Christ 

No  longer  do  I  call  you  bondservants;  for  the  bond- 
servant knoweth  not  what  his  lord  doeth:  but  I  have 
called  you  friends;  for  all  things  that  I  heard  from 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       53 

my  Father  I  have  made  knoivn  unto  you.  —  John 
IS  :  15, 

Thou  who  hast  called  thy  disciples  friends,  accept 
us  also  in  that  happy  circle  of  thy  thought  and  care. 
Sustain  us  in  trouble,  enhearten  us  in  loneliness,  lift 
us  above  discouragement.  In  thy  name  and  work 
we  glory,  let  thy  cross  be  the  symbol  of  our  hope 
and  immortality.  Since  thou  hast  won  for  us  so 
rich  a  life,  let  our  own  years  with  thee  be  dedicated 
to  thy  purpose.  Help  us  to  follow  thee  in  ministry 
of  kindness  and  good  will.  Provide  new  opportuni- 
ties of  service  as  thou  increasest  strength,  and  let 
our  hearts  and  voices  overflow  in  grateful  song. 
Companion  of  all  friendships,  inspirer  and  uplifter  of 
all  affections!  by  faith  in  thy  good  purpose  toward  us 
we  commit  ourselves  to  the  sleep  of  night  and  to 
the  unimaginable  experience  of  death.  We  thank 
thee  that  thou  hast  gone  before  to  prepare  us  a  place, 
and  we  would  ever  live  with  thee.    Amen. 


March  6  —  A  Fruit-Bearing  Day 

I  am  the  true  vine,  and  my  Father^  is  the  husband- 
man. Every  branch  in  me  that  beareth  not  fruit,  he 
taketh  away:  and  every  branch  that  beareth  fruit,  he 
cleanseth  it,  that  it  may  bear  more  fruit.  —  John 
15  :1. 

Glorify  thy  holy  name,  0  God,  through  us  in  a 
fruit-bearing  day.  Help  us  to  abide  in  Christ  that 
we  may  share  his  life  and  do  his  work.  If  the  chan- 
nels of  our  thought  and  our  desire  are  choked  with 
sin,  purge  us  that  we  may  bring  forth  more  fruit. 
In  morning  hours  of  toil,  in  noontide  rest,  in  the 


54       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

work  that  draws  to  an  end  with  the  sunsetting, 
and  in  our  evening  thoughts  or  cares,  abide  thou 
with  us  and  make  our  hearts  glad  in  thee.  Thine 
is  the  night's  rest  and  the  new  strength  of  the  morn- 
ing hour;  and  thine  shall  be  our  praise  in  every 
gain  and  effort,  in  every  joy  and  grief,  through  Jesus 
Christ   our   Lord.     Amen. 

March  7  —  Against  Impatience 

For  ye  have  need  of  steadfastness,  that,  having  done 
the  will  of  God,  ye  may  receive  the  promise.  For 
yet  a  very  little  while,  he  that  cometh  shall  come,  and 
shall  not  tarry.  But  my  righteous  one  shall  live  by 
faith:  and  if  he  shrink  back,  my  soul  hath  no  pleasure 
in  him.  —  Heb.  10  :  36. 

God  of  all  patience,  by  whose  long-suffering  love 
alone  we  are  permitted  to  continue  in  the  opportuni- 
ties of  life,  keep  us  in  the  quiet  of  thy  presence  all 
day  long  that  we  sin  not  in  hasty  word  or  deed. 
Be  swifter  than  our  provocations,  stronger  than  our 
easily  besetting  sins  and  kinder  than  our  own 
thought  of  others.  In  our  impatient  hours,  when 
anger  burns  within  us  and  cries  out  for  utterance, 
give  us  courage  in  the  memory  of  thy  love 
for  self-restraint.  In  the  reflection  of  thy  mercy 
may  our  faces  shine.  In  cheerful  hours  may  we 
await  the  ripening  of  thy  purpose.  So  teach  us  to 
weigh  the  hopes  and  fears,  the  joys  and  disap- 
pointments of  this  mortal  life  that  we  may  know  the 
worth  of  the  enduring  treasure  of  thy  grace.  Guard 
us  from  the  folly  of  heart-rest  in  earthly  things. 
Enlarge  our  souls  in  the  good  hope  of  eternal  life 
through  Christ  and  make  us  willing  instruments  of 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       55 

service.  Enable  us  to  think  in  charity,  to  speak  in 
kindness,  to  deal  lovingly  as  well  as  justly  in  all 
relations  and  responsibilities  of  life.  And  glorify 
thyself  in  us  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

March  8  —  Eternal  Life  Today 

Giving  thmiks  imto  the  Father,  ivho  made  us  meet 
to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in 
light,  who  delivered  us  out  of  the  power  of  darkness  and 
translated  us  into  the  kingdom  of  the  Son  of  his  love.  — 
Col.  1  :  12. 

Thou  Lord  and  Giver  of  the  earthly  and  the 
eternal  life,  we  bless  thee  that  both  are  one  for  us  in 
faith,  as  both  shall  be  one  in  the  experience  of  thy 
children.  We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  enriched 
our  lives  with  friendship  and  mth  household  ties. 
We  bless  thee  for  all  true-hearted  fellowship  of 
faith  and  love,  and,  with  loyal  and  confident  hearts, 
for  all  whom  thou  hast  taken  from  us,  who  live  to 
thee  although  we  see  them  not.  We  thank  thee  for 
their  ministries  of  faithful  affection  and  self- 
sacrifice.  Make  us,  like  them,  a  blessing  to  the 
world.  And  may  their  memory  bring  us  strength 
to  lead  the  joyful  life  of  faith.  Grant  to  us  also 
help  to  overcome  and  bring  us  in  thine  own  good 
time  into  the  dear  companionship  of  love  and  joy 
where  they  have  gone  before.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.     Amen. 

March  9  —  A  Thanksgiving 

0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good,  for  his 
mercy  endureth  for  ever.  Let  the  redeemed  of  the 
Lord  say  so,  whom  he  redeemed  oid  of  the  hand  of  the 


56      PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

enemy.  ...  0  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his 
lovingkindness  and  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the 
children  of  men.  —  Psalm  107  : 1. 

We  lift  up  our  hearts  to  thee,  0  God,  in  grateful 
remembrance  of  the  gifts  and  blessings  which  have 
crowned  our  days.  When  our  hearts  have  forgotten 
thanksgiving,  we  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  not 
ceased  from  help,  and  that  although  we  have  sinned, 
thou  hast  still  maintained  thy  lovingkindness. 
We  acknowledge  that  our  trials  have  been  less  than 
our  desert,  our  joys  the  witness  ever  of  thy  merciful 
compassion.  We  bless  thee  for  the  gift  of  life, 
the  love  of  friends,  the  ties  of  kindred,  the  joys 
of  home.  We  praise  thee  for  opportunities  of 
knowledge,  for  innocent  enjoyment  and  helpful 
service.  Thou  hast  comforted  us  in  sorrow  and 
upheld  us  in  the  time  of  doubt  and  fear.  Food  and 
raiment  and  shelter  are  from  thee,  and  thou  givest 
us  power  to  overcome  temptation.  Love  is  thy 
gift,  and  faith  and  hope  of  better  days  to  come; 
and  thy  presence  is  our  continual  delight.  Blessed 
be  thou,  0  God,  with  honor  and  thanksgiving, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord!    Amen. 


March  10  —  The  Cure  and  Care  of  Anger 

For  hereunto  were  ye  called:  because  Christ  also 
suffered  for  you,  leaving  you  an  example,  that  ye 
should  follow  in  his  steps;  who  did  no  siri,  neither 
was  guile  found  in  his  7nouth:  who,  when  he  was 
reviled,  reviled  not  again;  when  he  suffered,  threatened 
not;  but  committed  himself  to  him  that  judgeth  right- 
eously.—  1  Pet.  2  :21. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       57 

God  of  peace,  who  ever  desirest  peace  among  thy 
children,  so  restrain  anger  in  our  hearts  by  the  power 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit  that  we  may  not  provoke  others 
to  wrath,  or  speak  irreparable  words.  Help  us  to 
bear  ourselves  as  followers  of  him  who,  when  he  was 
reviled,  reviled  not  again,  and  by  thy  goodness  teach 
us  to  think  in  love  even  of  our  enemies  and  detrac- 
tors. Give  us  the  grace  of  silence  when  speech 
would  provoke  to  contention,  but  courage  to  speak 
when  it  is  for  thine  honor  or  the  help  of  other  men. 
Let  there  be  no  quarrelsome  spirit  in  us,  but  may 
we  seek  amity  with  all  men  and  hinder  none  by  our 
impatience.  And  in  thy  mercy  keep  us  from  all 
strife  of  tongues.  And  this  we  ask  of  thee  in  the 
name  of  Christ  our  peaceable  and  helpful  Lord  and 
brother.    Amen. 


March  11  —  The  Stalwart  Life  with  Christ 

Finally,  be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of 
his  might.  .  .  .  Wherefore  take  up  the  whole  armor  of 
God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  withstand  in  the  evil  day, 
and,  having  done  all,  to  stand.  — Eph.  6  :  10. 

0  Thou  our  Life!  True  Light  of  all  who  come  into 
the  world,  help  us  to  live  to  thee.  From  death  of 
sin;  from  all  forgetfulness  of  God  and  love;  from 
heart  ambitions  which  do  not  rise  above  the  world; 
from  folly  of  uncharitableness  and  idle  Hstlessness 
that  suffers  opportunity  to  slip  away  unused  — 
0  Lord  deliver  us!  Help  us  to  live  strong,  useful, 
happy  lives  by  the  indweUing  and  outworking  of  thy 
Spirit.  Fulfil  in  us  thine  own  thought  of  what  man 
may  be  and  use  us  to  the  uttermost  in  service,  over- 


58       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

coming  sin  and  working  righteousness  and  preparing 
us  for  the  unhindered  vision  of  thy  face  in  ever- 
lasting Hfe  with  thee.     Amen. 


March  12  —  God  Seeking  Us 

For  thus  saith  the  Lord  God;  Behold,  I  myself,  even 
I,  will  search  for  my  sheep,  and  will  seek  them  out. 
As  a  shepherd  seeketh  out  his  flock  in  the  day  that  he 
is  among  his  sheep  that  are  scattered  abroad,  so  will 
I  seek  Old  7ny  sheep;  and  I  will  deliver  them  out  of 
all  places  whither  they  have  been  scattered  in  the  cloudy 
and  dark  day.  —  Ezek.  3J{.  :  11. 

Thou  who  hast  loved  and  sought  us,  our  Father 
and  our  Friend,  with  answering  affection  we  return 
to  thee  as  to  our  home  and  rest.  We  thank  thee 
that  thou  hast  given  us  life,  and  that  from  thy  love 
our  love  is  kindled.  We  bless  thee  that  when  we 
had  gone  far  from  thee  into  the  waste  places  of  our 
selfishness,  thy  Spirit  brought  remembrance.  Thou 
hast  desired  us,  unworthy  children  that  we  are; 
teach  us  the  ways  of  thy  house  and  the  peace  of  its 
pure  and  helpful  life.  By  the  lives  and  words  of  thy 
children,  witnessing  of  thee,  thou  hast  beckoned  and 
appealed.  Oh,  make  us  helpers  in  thy  search  for  the 
wandering  and  the  lost,  and  sharers  of  the  joy  of 
heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth.  So  let 
thy  fathernood  be  fruitful  in  our  lives  for  patience, 
faith  and  brotherly  kindness.  And  may  we  grow 
toward  the  perfection  of  the  life  of  Christ  our  Lord 
and  through  thy  love  revealed  in  him  be  perfected. 
Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       59 

March  13  —  The  Tongue 

//'  any  stumbleth  not  in  word,  the  same  is  a  pei\fect 
man,  able  to  bridle  the  whole  body  also,  .  .  .  so  the 
tongue  is  a  little  member,  and  boasteth  great  things. 
Behold  how  much  wood  is  kindled  by  how  small  a 
fire.  — James  3  :  2. 

Keep  us,  O  God,  from  every  evil  word;  from  all 
unkindness,  idle  levity,  hasty  temper  and  useless 
complaint,  from  flattery  and  falsehood.  Make 
our  hearts  pure  and  our  lips  clean.  Give  us  to 
share  thy  joy  and  let  all  our  looks  and  words  be 
full  of  cheer,  lest  we  should  bear  false  witness  to 
thy  perfect  grace  of  forgiveness  and  thy  loving  care. 
Keep  us  from  insincerity,  from  impatient  speaking 
and  querulous  tones  in  petty  trials  and  misun- 
derstandings. So  tame  thou  that  tongue  which 
no  man  can  tame  and  make  it  harmless  in  this  world 
of  strife  and  ever  ready  in  thy  service.  And  to 
thee  will  we  give  praise  and  glory  evermore.     Amen. 


March  14  —  Helpers  of  Grief 

For  he  will  deliver  the  needy  when  he  crieth,  and 
the  poor  that  hath  no  helper.  He  will  have  pity  on 
the  poor  and  needy,  and  the  souls  of  the  needy  he  will 
save.  —  Psalm  72  :  12. 

Have  mercy.  Lord,  upon  all  sorrowful  wanderers 
in  loneliness  of  grief  who  have  forgotten  or  are 
unaware  of  thee.  In  thine  own  way  come  near  to 
them  with  guidance,  help  and  comfort,  rebuilding 
their  lives  upon  the  sure  foundations  of  confidence  in 
thy  love  and  power.     And  help  us  whom  thou  hast 


60      PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

made  their  neighbors  so  to  live  in  faith  and  courage 
which  thou  givest  us  through  Christ  our  Lord,  that 
these  lonely  sufferers  may  see  in  us  something  of 
his  divine  purity  and  strength  and  will  to  aid.  In 
the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


March  15  —  Following  on  with  God 

For  he  established  a  testimony  in  Jacob,  and  ap- 
pointed a  law  in  Israel,  which  he  commanded  our 
fathers,  that  they  should  make  them  known  unto  their 
children.  .  .  .  That  they  might  set  their  hope  in 
God,  and  not  forget  the  works  of  God.  —  Psalm  78  :  5. 

Through  unknown  places  and  the  unimagined 
years,  Lord,  we  have  walked  with  thee  and  by  thy 
love  we  have  been  kept  from  peril  and  evil  has  had 
no  full  power  over  us.  Through  the  days  that  are 
before  us,  hidden  in  the  darkness  from  our  eyes  and 
keeping  new  experiences,  we  would  have  the  dear 
companionship  of  thy  presence.  Give  us  courage 
that  when  thou  biddest  us  go  forward  we  may  take 
our  journey  with  serene  and  joyful  confidence. 
We  remember  before  thee  those  who  are  our  com- 
panions of  earth's  wonderful  way,  our  brothers  and 
sisters  of  the  life  that  Jesus  chose  and  shared. 
Thou  art  our  Father  and  our  leader,  help  us  to  walk 
together  in  kindliness.  Especially,  0  Lord,  remem- 
ber those  whom  thou  thyself  hast  bound  up  with  us 
in  the  cords  of  affection  and  bring  them  into  the 
kingdom  of  thy  love.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       61 


March  16  —  Endurance 

Take,  brethren,  for  an  example  of  suffering  and  of 
patience,  the  prophets  who  spake  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord.  Behold  we  call  them  blessed  that  endured; 
ye  have  heard  of  the  patience  of  Job,  and  have  seen  the 
end  of  the  Lord,  how  that  the  Lord  is  full  of  pity  and 
merciful.  — James  5  :  10. 

Father  of  all  grace  and  patience,  who  hast  known 
our  hearts  from  the  beginning,  keep  them  to  the 
end  that  we  fail  not  through  lack  of  endurance  in 
the  quiet  hours  of  life.  When  action  ceases  and 
we  can  only  wait,  when  decision  gives  place  to 
doubt,  when  weakness  or  ignorance  leave  room  only 
for  submission,  when  we  have  spoken  our  last  word, 
made  our  final  effort,  and  in  our  own  strength  can 
do  no  more;  then,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  who  was 
tempted  with  our  temptations  and  straitened  in 
lingering  days  until  his  work  might  be  accomplished, 
come  to  our  aid!  Assure  us  of  thy  presence  when 
we  sit  in  loneliness,  that  our  vexed  hearts  may  find 
their  rest  in  thee.  Sjjeak  the  words  in  our  per- 
plexity which  of  old  upon  the  lips  of  Christ  brought 
calm  to  the  troubled  sea.  Turn  even  our  impa- 
tience to  profit  in  the  deepening  of  a  purpose  that 
is  not  dependent  upon  immediate  attainment,  and 
a  faith  that  lays  hold  upon  the  eternal  purposes  of 
God.  And  when,  by  thine  assistance,  we  have  been 
enabled  to  keep  the  word  of  thy  patience,  suffer  us 
not  to  fall  away  in  the  hour  of  death,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


62       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 


March  17  —  Care  of  the  Body 

For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  unto  him  are  all 
things.  .  .  .  I  beseech  you  therefore,  brethren,  by 
the  mercies  of  God,  to  present  your  bodies  a  living 
sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  to  God,  which  is  your  spiritual 
service.  —  Ro7n.  11  :  36. 

0  Lord,  who  hast  given  us  these  treasures  of 
earth's  strength  and  opportunity  in  earthen  vessels 
that  we  might  learn  the  need  of  trust  in  thee,  help 
us  so  to  use  and  cherish  our  frail  bodies  that  they 
may  be  most  effective  for  the  work  which  thou  hast 
given  us  to  do.  Pardon  our  transgressions  and 
shortcomings.  Make  us  strong  to  labor,  patient 
for  endurance,  filled  —  as  becometh  temples  of 
thy  Spirit  —  with  all  purity,  girded  and  ready  for  all 
service.  Help  us  to  keep  the  nightly  and  weekly 
rest  which  thou  hast  appointed  with  willing  and 
obedient  hearts.  May  sleep  refresh  us,  food  nourish 
us  and  pleasure  bring  us  no  regret.  Preserve  us 
from  the  shame  and  folly  of  idleness  and  from  the 
temptation  to  presumptuous  overwork  for  merely 
earthly  gains;  but  when  the  hour  of  need  appears, 
and  for  thy  love  or  for  the  service  of  thy  children 
we  are  called  to  work  beyond  our  strength,  restore 
us,  if  it  please  thee,  or  accept  our  sacrifice  for  the 
sake  of  Christ,  who  denied  not  his  body  for  our 
need.  And  when  these  earthen  vessels  of  our  sense 
and  strength  are  broken,  receive  our  spirits  for  the 
sake  of  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       63 

March  18  —  The  Comradeship  of  Christ 

All  authority  hath  been  given  unto  me  m  heaven 
and  on  earth.  Go  ye  therefore  arid  make  disciples  of 
all  the  nations:  .  .  .  teaching  them  to  observe  all 
things  ivhatsoever  I  commanded  you:  and  lo,  I  am 
with  you  all  the  days,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.  — 
Matt.  28  :  18. 

We  thank  thee,  Father,  for  thy  Son,  our  Lord, 
who  for  our  sake  experienced  sorrow,  lonehness  and 
death,  that  we  might  have  an  inward  and  abiding 
joy,  a  true  companionship,  and  be  set  free  from  the 
old  slavish  fear  of  death.  Thou,  from  whom  all 
thy  disciples  fled  in  the  hour  of  trial,  who  knewest 
lonely  vigils  in  the  desert  places,  remember  us  in  the 
hour  of  our  betrayal  and  distress.  Help  us  to  seek 
our  strength  from  the  divine  and  loving  Father 
to  keep  true  to  the  best  purposes  of  our  own  hearts 
to  live  upon  the  highest  levels  of  our  thought 
to  love  and  not  to  hate;  to  be  long-suffering,  kind 
and  slow  to  take  offense.  So  may  we  have  place  in 
the  great  brotherhood  where  Christ  is  the  clear 
dawn  of  the  promised  glorious  da3^  So  in  self- 
giving  may  we  lose  all  sense  of  loneliness.     Amen. 

March  19  —  A  Thanksgiving 

How  beautifid  upon  the  mountains  are  the  feet  of 
him  that  bringeth  good  tidings,  that  publisheth  peace, 
that  bringeth  good  tidings  of  good,  that  publisheth 
salvation,  that  saith  unto  Zion,  thy  God  reigneth! 
—  Is.  52  :  7. 

With  my  whole  heart  I  give  thee  thanks,  my  God, 
for   thou   hast   dealt   bountifully   with   me.     Thy 


64      PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

promises  are  like  dawn  upon  the  darkness  of  the 
earth.  Blessed  be  thou,  who  hast  given  thy  Son  to 
be  Saviour  and  Friend  of  men.  I  bring  thee  praise 
for  joys  that  make  earth  bright;  for  needed  gifts  of 
every  day;  for  home  delights  and  meetings;  for 
ideals  of  lovingkindness,  justice,  truth;  friendship 
and  its  affluence  of  joy  and  strength;  wisdom  born 
of  experience;  peace  that  is  deeper  than  grief. 
Most  of  all  I  give  thanks  that  thou  art  thou  —  my 
Father,  in  whom  life's  dearest  hopes  are  eternally 
secure.  Lover  of  men,  teach  me  how  gratitude  may 
overflow  in  thoughtful  service  to  my  brothers  of  the 
common  life.  And  ever  keep  me  from  the  sin 
which  hangs  a  veil  between  my  heart  and  thee. 
In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


March  20  —  Meditative    Hours 

Oh,  how  love  I  thy  law!  It  is  my  meditation  all 
the  day.  Thy  commandments  make  me  wiser  than 
mine  enemies;  for  they  are  ever  with  me.  I  have 
more  understanding  than  all  my  teachers;  for  thy 
testimonies  are  my  meditation.  —  Psalm  119  :  97. 

0  Thou  that  callest  to  remembrance  and  biddest 
us  consider  and  try  our  ways,  so  guide  and  control 
our  times  of  meditation  that  we  may  obtain  new 
courage  for  endeavor  from  our  communion  with 
thee.  Help  us  to  draw  near  in  true  repentance  and 
full  assurance  of  thy  fatherly  love.  Disengage  our 
thoughts  from  the  cares,  ambitions  and  desires  of 
the  world,  that  our  hearts  may  be  open  and  pre- 
pared for  the  teaching  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  For 
thou  alone  art  our  strength,  the  true  good  of  our 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       65 

souls,  the  bread  of  life  which  satisfies,  the  joy  which 
enables  us  to  serve  and  overcome.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.    Amen. 

March  21  —  The  Gentleness  of  God 

0  praise  the  Lord,  all  ye  nations;  Land  him,  all 
ye  peoples.  For  his  lovingkindness  is  great  toward 
us;  and  the  truth  of  the  Lord  endureth  forever.  —  Psalm 
117:1. 

We  thank  thee.  Heavenly  Father,  for  thy  gentle- 
ness which  is  both  our  example  and  delight.  Let 
thy  long-suffering  pity  deepen  assurance  that  thou 
lookest  upon  us  with  a  Father's  heart  of  love. 
Forgive  us  that  we  have  impatient  thoughts  of  life 
which  thou  hast  appointed  for  our  teaching  and  that 
we  find  it  so  hard  to  forgive  when  thou  hast  freely 
pardoned  our  transgressions.  Give  us  power  to 
labor  and  to  overcome.  Help  us  to  use  our  strength 
in  gentleness  Teach  us  how  to  understand  and 
sympa  hize.  May  we  speak  kindly,  think  charita- 
bly and  look  hopefully,  seeking  in  all  simplicity  of 
obedience  to  love  our  neighbor  as  ourself.  So 
make  us  like  our  Lord  in  truth  and  gentleness  and 
use  us  in  thy  service  evermore.    Amen. 

March  22  —  The  Fear  of  Death 

But  when  this  corruptible  shall  have  put  on  incor- 
ruption  and  this  mortal  shall  have  put  on  immortality, 
then  shall  come  to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written, 
Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory.  .  .  .  But  thanks 
he  to  God  who  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  —  1  Cor.  15  :  34- 


06       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

In  my  folly,  Lord,  I  am  troubled  for  my  friends, 
or  for  myself,  by  thoughts  of  the  l^ody's  death; 
and  I  confess  before  thee  that  I  am  often  more 
afraid  to  die  than  concerned  to  live  as  thy  disciple 
ought.  Yet  thou  art  ever  with  me  and  I  thank  thee 
that  Christ  has  gone  where  we  must,  go  and  opened 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all  believers.  Take  awaj'' 
this  fear  of  death  and  all  forebodings  either  for 
myself  or  those  I  love ;  and  be  thou  my  life  and  the 
true  life  of  my  affections,  and  assure  my  heart  that 
none  that  lives  in  thee  can  ever  die.  Teach  me  to 
work  in  cheerful  expectation  and  to  leave  the  place 
of  work  to  thee.  Let  me  not  mar  thine  instrument 
by  thankless  fear  or  weak  repining.  For  thou  art 
my  life  and  what  thou  choosest  I  would  choose. 
In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

March  23  —  Wayside  Mercies 

Thou  preparest  a  table  before  me  in  the  presence  of 
mine  enemies;  thou  hast  anoirited  mij  head  with  oil; 
my  cup  runneth  over.  Surely  goodness  and  loving- 
kindness  shall  folloiv  me  all  the  days  of  my  life;  and 
I  shall  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  for  ever.  —  Psalm 
23  : 5. 

We  thank  thee.  Lord,  for  thy  great  gifts  by  which 
we  live  and  live  with  thee;  for  thy  Fatherhood  and 
our  approach  to  thee  through  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Lord;  for  the  teaching  and  upholding  Spirit;  the 
fellowship  of  saints  and  the  good  hope  of  immortal- 
ity. We  bless  thee  for  the  waj^side  mercies  which 
make  all  our  homeward  journey  glad.  Let  not  the 
dust  of  the  road  choke  the  outpouring  of  thy  springs 
of  joy  within  our  hearts  or  any  passing  troubles  dim 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       67 

our  vision  of  thy  light.  Sustain  our  courage  in  the 
appointed  trials  and  temptations  of  our  pilgrimage. 
Open  our  eyes  to  see  thy  mercies  and  give  us  hearts 
to  delight  in  every  gift  and  beauty  of  the  shifting 
days.  So  lead  us  onward,  ever  fulfiling  in  us  thy 
desire  of  good  and  happy  life  and  making  us  thy 
helpers.     And  to  thy  name  be  praise!    Amen. 


March  24  —  Heart  Purity 

Now  as  he  spake,  a  Pharisee  asketh  him  to  dine 
with  him.  And  he  rnarvelled  that  (Jesus)  had  not 
first  bathed  himself  before  dinner.  And  the  Lord  said 
unto  him;  Now  ye  Pharisees  cleanse  the  outside  of  the 
cup;  .  .  .  but  your  inward  part  is  fidl  of  extortion 
and  wickedness.  Ye  foolish  ones,  did  not  he  that  inade 
the  outside  make  the  inside  also?  — Luke  11  :  37. 

Lord  of  all  life,  who  in  thy  holiness  revealest  thy- 
seK  to  those  who  are  pure  in  heart,  so  cleanse  and 
strengthen  us  that  we  may  be  free  from  every  evil 
desire  and  unclean  imagination,  serving  thee  as 
loving  and  obedient  children  day  and  night,  and 
ever  finding  gladness  in  thy  presence.  Thou  art 
our  Father;  make  the  brotherhood  of  man  in  thee  so 
real  and  joyful  to  us  that  we  shall  feel  the  least  offense 
of  thought  or  word  or  act  toward  any  of  thy  chil- 
dren like  a  stain  upon  our  souls.  Give  us  the  child- 
like spirit  of  love  and  faith  in  a  world  too  full  of 
cruelties  and  hates.  And  may  thy  wisdom  be  our 
guide,  lest  we  fall  into  any  snare  of  the  tempter. 
Let  Christ's  own  thought  of  brotherly  kindness  ever 
rule  our  spirits,  to  thy  glory  in  our  fruit-bearing 
lives.    Amen. 


68      PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

March  25  —  Brotherly  Kindness 

Let  love  of  the  brethren  continue.  Forget  not  to 
show  love  unto  strangers;  for  thereby  some  have 
entertained  angels  unawares.  Remember  them  that 
are  in  bonds,  as  bound  with  them;  them  that  are  ill- 
treated,  as  being  yourselves  also  in  the  body.  —  Heb. 
13  :1. 

My  God,  who  rememberest  the  burdens  of  men, 
having  given  us  life,  and  meaning  to  win  us  for  thy 
wilHng  and  obedient  children,  help  me,  I  entreat 
thee,  not  to  live  so  selfishly  as  only  to  receive  and 
not  to  give  compassion.  Let  me  be  sharer  of  thy 
thought  and  work.  Let  my  patience  and  endeavor 
for  the  need  of  others  be  offered  for  true  love's  sake. 
Confirm  in  me  all  motions  and  desires  of  brother- 
hood, all  thoughts  of  kindness.  Teach  me  to  be 
just  and  merciful,  remembering  thine  uprightness, 
O  Thou  that  delightest  in  mercy!  When  my  own 
burdens  weigh  heavily,  come  thou  to  my  relief, 
leaving  me  free  and  strong  for  help  of  others.  So 
let  the  fellowship  I  most  desire  grow  between  thee 
and  me,  0  Thou  compassionate!  And  help  me  to 
be  thy  true  and  helpful  child  in  all  the  days  ap- 
pointed me  on  earth.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

March  26  —  Cross-Bearing 

Whosoever  doth  not  bear  his  own  cross,  and  come 
after  me,  cannot  be  my  disciple.  For  which  of  you, 
desiring  to  build  a  tower,  doth  not  first  count  the  cost, 
whether  he  have  wherewith  to  complete  it? — Luke 
U  :  27, 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       69 

Let  the  way  of  the  cross  be  our  way,  0  crucified 
and  risen  Lord,  if  thou  art  with  us  as  we  go.  Let 
death  lay  hold  upon  us,  if  we  may  but  live  in  thee. 
Arm  us  for  great  afflictions  wherewith  thou  dost 
sometimes  try  the  brothers  of  thy  love,  but  prepare 
our  hearts  also  against  the  petty  annoyances  of 
ordinary  days.  And  suffer  us  not  to  deny  our  call- 
ing and  thy  love  by  weak  complainings  and 
resentful  thoughts.  We  thank  thee  that  the 
way  of  the  cross  is  the  way  of  life  and  that  our 
joy  is  independent  of  what  hands  can  hold.  Accept 
our  renunciations,  pardon  our  withholdings  of  due 
love  and  childlike  trust.  Let  the  cross  become  our 
glory  because  we  bear  it  gladly  for  thy  sake.  And 
to  thee  be  praise,  for  thou  hast  redeemed  us  from  the 
death  of  sin  and  opened  to  us  the  gates  of  life. 
Amen. 

March  27  —  Confidence  in  God 

Who  shall  lay  anything  to  the  charge  of  God's  elect? 
Shall  God  that  justifiethf  Who  is  he  that  condemneth? 
Is  it  Christ  Jesus  that  died,  yea,  rather,  that  was 
raised  from  the  dead,  who  is  at  the  right  hand  of  God, 
who  also  maketh  intercession  for  usf  —  Rom.  8  :  33. 

Lord,  in  the  overturnings  of  thy  judgment,  when 
many  who  are  first  shall  be  last,  let  not  my  hope  be 
found  mere  folly  of  presumptuous  self-conceit. 
Thou  knowest  me  altogether  and  I  cannot  know 
myseK  but  I  thank  thee  that  in  thy  word  is  confi- 
dence and  in  thy  love  is  joy.  I  bless  thee  that  thou 
hast  encouraged  me  to  hope  and  given  me  strength 
for  labor  and  taken  pleasure  in  my  over  comings. 
Let  me  not  measure  great  and  small  according  to  the 


70       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

proportion  of  my  weak  vision,  or  of  the  world's  de- 
sire, lest  I  waste  in  folly  strength  thou  seekest  for 
the  building  of  thy  kindgom.  Let  me  not  think  too 
much  of  self,  but  ever  meditate  upon  thy  purpose. 
Make  Christ's  yoke  my  assurance  of  efficiency  and 
of  companionship  with  him.  Teach  me  to  do  thy 
will,  O  God.  Thy  Spirit  is  good,  lead  me  into  the 
land  of  uprightness!     In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

March  28  —  For  Enemies 

Ye  have  heard  that  it  was  said,  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbor,  and  hate  thine  enemy;  but  I  say  unto  you, 
Love  your  enemies,  and  pray  for  them  that  persecute 
you;  that  ye  may  be  sons  of  your  Father  who  is  in 
heaven;  for  he  makelh  his  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and 
the  good,  and  sendeth  rain  on  the  just  and  the  unjust.  — 
Matt.  5  :  J^S. 

0  Lord,  our  God,  who  lovest  those  whom  we  find 
it  so  hard  not  to  hate,  help  us  to  love  them  also, 
because  of  thy  love  and  our  love  to  thee.  Lift 
our  hearts  above  all  petty  jealousies  and  irascibilities. 
Let  the  dignity  of  our  souls  forbid  that  we  should  be 
swift  to  take  offense  or  cherish  in  remembrance  past 
slights  or  small  neglects.  Make  us  thy  loving  and 
obedient  children,  joined  with  thee  in  the  endeavor 
to  make  life  pure  and  genial  with  the  sunlight  of 
brotherly  kindness.  We  thank  thee  for  the  good 
which  even  our  poor  sight  can  see  in  the  life  of  those 
whom  we  call  enemies.  We  ask  good  for  them,  not 
as  those  who  look  down  from  a  height,  but  as  for 
our  own  brothers  with  whom  we  earnestly  desire 
that  we  may  be  heartily  and  continually  reconciled. 
In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       71 

March  29  —  A  Planting  of  God 

For  I  will  set  mine  eyes  upon  them  for  good.  .  . 
and  I  will  build  them  up  and  not  pull  them  down; 
and  I  will  plant  them,  and  not  pluck  them  up.  And 
I  will  give  them  a  heart  to  know  me,  that  I  am  the 
Lord;  and  they  shall  be  my  people,  and  I  will  be  their 
God;  for  they  shall  return  unto  me  with  their  whole 
heart. — Jer.  24  :6. 

Thou  Love  and  Purity  Divine,  Sun  of  my  day, 
warning  and  consuming,  scorch  thou  and  burn  away 
my  sin.  Quicken  to  growth  the  seeds  which  thou 
hast  planted  in  my  soul  and  let  them  blossom  and 
bear  fruit.  Thou  who  hast  called  me  to  holiness, 
hold  ever  before  my  eyes  the  goal  of  thy  divine 
perfection,  that  I  may  reverence  and  aspire.  Keep 
me  from  discouragement.  Yea,  though  I  stumble 
and  fall  through  heart's  weakness  and  the  lure  of 
earth's  desire,  nevertheless,  make  me  to  arise  and 
stand  before  thee  with  new  purpose  of  amendment 
and  joj^ul  remembrance  of  thy  love  in  Jesus  Christ 
my  Lord.  I^ead  me  by  thy  Holy  Spirit  into  the 
true  way,  give  me  the  joy  of  use  and  the  reward  of 
helpfulness.    And  to  thy  name  be  praise.    Amen. 

March  30  —  The  Risen  Life 

If  in  this  life  only  we  have  hoped  in  Christ,  we  are 
of  all  men  most  pitiable.  But  now  hath  Christ  been 
raised  from  the  dead,  the  first  fruits  of  them  that  are 
asleep.  .  .  .  For  .  .  .  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made 
alive.  But  each  in  his  own  order:  Christ  the  first 
fruits;  then  they  that  are  Christ's  at  his  presence.  — 
1  Cor.  15  :  1\ 


72      PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

We  bless  thee,  Father  in  heaven,  for  the  eternal 
hope  that  springs  to  life  through  the  resurrection 
from  the  dead  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Help  us 
through  him  to  have  a  steady  faith  to  look  upon  the 
things  that  endure  and  not  to  set  our  hearts  upon 
the  gifts  that  perish.  Let  darkness  pass  from  our 
believing  hearts  and  thy  true  light  grow  toward  the 
fullness  of  the  perfect  day.  Help  us  to  live  this  day 
the  risen  and  enduring  life  to  which  thou  callest, 
fearless  of  all  that  earth  can  take  away  and  confident 
that  thou  wilt  help  in  every  hour  of  need.  Be  thou 
forevermore  our  light  and  our  salvation,  the  eternal 
hope  and  confidence  of  men,  the  giver  and  renewer 
of  all  gifts  and  promises.  Let  our  patience  keep  a 
sense  of  thy  companionship  till  the  time  of  vision 
comes.  So  hold  us  ever  in  the  joy  of  faith  and  let 
the  love  of  Christ  enrich  our  hearts.     Amen. 


March  31  —  In  the  Doubtful  Places 

And  every  one  that  hath  left  houses,  or  brethren, 
or  sisters,  or  father,  or  mother,  or  children,  or  lands, 
for  my  name's  sake,  shall  receive  a  hundred  fold,  and 
shall  inherit  eternal  life.  But  many  shall  be  last  that 
are  first;  and  first  that  are  last.  —  Matt.  19  :  29. 

Open  thou  our  eyes,  0  God,  that  we  may  see  and 
choose  aright  in  all  the  doubtful  places  of  our  life. 
May  we  not  be  of  those  who  seeking  their  own  life 
shall  lose  it.  Help  us  to  dedicate  ourselves  to  thy 
service,  giving  up  the  life  of  self  that  our  true  life 
may  be  hid  with  Christ  in  thee.  And  may  this  new- 
implanted  life  grow  stronger  day  by  day  until  it 
takes  complete  possession  of  our  soul  and  drives 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       73 

forth  every  evil  passion  and  folly  of  self-seeking. 
Be  thou  our  true  life,  lest  when  we  part  from  thee 
our  hopes  depart,  our  peace  be  broken  and  our  sins 
revive.  Teach  us  earth's  hard  lesson  of  renuncia- 
tion and  let  us  not  draw  back  until  it  is  wholly 
learned;  but  fill  our  spirits  with* the  comfort  of  thy 
presence  evermore  according  to  thy  loving  word. 
Amen. 

April  1  —  The  Door  of  Life 

I  am  the  door  of  the  sheep  .  .  .  by  me  if  any  man 
enter  in,  he  shall  be  saved,  and  shall  go  in  and  out 
and  shall  find  pasture.  ...  7  am  the  good  shepherd; 
the  good  shepherd  layeth  down  his  life  for  the  sheep.  — 
John  10  : 7. 

Thou  Guide  of  all  our  ways,  thyself  the  Door  by 
whom  we  have  entrance  upon  the  eternal  life,  so 
strengthen  our  hearts  by  the  teaching  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  that  we  may  be  ready  for  all  changes,  swift 
to  forsake  all  will  toward  evil,  earnest  in  renewed 
endeavor  for  the  good  that  is  thy  gift.  0  thou 
who  callest  to  repentance  and  dost  ever  accept  the 
return  of  contrite  hearts!  give  us  light  to  see  and 
courage  to  undertake  all  new  adventures  in  thy 
service  and  make  thy  love  manifest  in  all  our  way. 
Let  our  beginnings  be  of  thy  devising  and  may  they 
bring  us  into  new  companionship  of  love  with  thee. 
In  trial  and  perplexity  comfort  our  hearts  with  the 
assurance  of  thy  will  to  heal  and  bless.  Let  us 
advance  from  strength  to  strength  and  crown  thou 
our  work  with  blessing,  to  the  glory  of  our  Father's 
name  and  for  the  coming  of  his  kingdom  among 
men.     Amen. 


74       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

April  2  —  Light  in  Darkness 

Naij,  in  all  these  things  ive  are  more  than  con- 
quer ers  through  him  that  loved  us.  For  I  am  persuaded 
that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  principali- 
ties, nor  things  present  nor  things  to  come,  nor  powers, 
nor  height  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall  he 
able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in 
Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  —  Rom.  8  :  37. 

O  Lord,  our  Lord,  who  hast  called  us  to  the  way  of 
suffering  which  was  the  way  of  power  and  glory  for 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  so  uplift  and  sustain  our 
hearts  that  we  may  endure  to  the  end,  finding  joj'' 
amid  distress  and  bringing  faith  and  courage  to  the 
burdened  and  heavy-hearted.  We  thank  thee  for 
thy  unfailing  confidence  in  us  as  loyal  children  of 
thy  house.  We  praise  thee  that  thou  hast  kept  us 
hitherto  from  defeat  and  despair,  given  us  happy 
hours,  true  comradeships  of  heart,  glad  foretastes 
of  that  joy  of  overcoming  which  is  to  be  fulfilled 
in  thy  presence.  Let  not  thy  guiding  and  correcting 
hand  depart  from  us  in  any  valley  of  the  shadow,  nor 
in  the  perils  of  our  unclouded  hours.  For  thou  art 
the  source  of  courage  and  delight,  and  to  thee  we 
would  continually  return  with  grateful  hearts  for 
thy  overflowing  bounty  and  thy  considerate  and 
unwearying  care.     In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


April  3  —  Assurance  of  God's  Care 

Humble  yourselves  therefore  under  the  mighty 
hand  of  God,  that  he  may  exalt  you  in  due  time; 
casting  all  your  anxiety  upon  him,  because  he  careth 
for  you.  —  1  Pet.  5  :  6. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       75 

We  thank  thee,  0  God,  that  thou  hast  opened  a 
way  before  us  and  encouraged  our  hearts  with  the 
assurance  of  thy  loving  care.  By  thy  strength  alone 
we  would  stand  fast  amid  the  troubles  of  our  days. 
Still  let  thy  goodness  lead  us  and  uphold  us,  0  God, 
that  we  may  with  cheerful  hearts  be  made  sharers 
of  the  joyful  expectations  that  become  thy  children. 
Forbid  it,  Lord,  that  we,  to  whom  thou  hast  given 
so  much  and  with  such  patient  love,  should  by  our 
ingratitude  and  little  faith  bring  discouragement  to 
others,  or  make  thy  work  and  kingdom  seem  less 
joyful  than  thou  hast  planned  them  for  the  needs  of 
men.  So  may  we  lift  and  help,  nor  ever  be  a  drag 
and  weight  upon  the  lives  of  men.  But  let  thy  life 
overflow  through  our  lives  for  the  strength  and 
courage  of  those  about  us.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

April  4  —  Cotntnunion  with  God 

Finally,  brethren,  rejoice:  be  perfected;  be  com- 
forted; be  of  the  same  mind;  live  in  peace;  and  the 
God  of  love  and  peace  shall  be  with  you.  .  .  .  The 
grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and 
the  communion  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  with  you  all. — 
2Cor.l3:lL 

Between  thee  and  me,  my  Father,  let  no  veil  come 
but  the  needful  veil  of  mystery  between  thy  majesty 
and  my  humanity.  For,  lo^  I  would  turn  to  thee  as 
thine  own  child,  assured  that  in  my  most  troubled 
hours  I  am  neither  forgotten  nor  forsaken.  Let 
me  go  on  the  way  of  my  pilgrimage  with  the  same 
obedient  trust  wherewith  Christ  lived  on  earth  and 
walked  with  thee.    Come  to  my  heart  and  make  it  a 


76       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

dwelling  place  for  thy  rest.  Purify  my  thoughts 
and  desires,  enrich  my  soul  with  gracious  experi- 
ences, give  me  the  peace  of  Christ  and  make  all 
things  work  together  for  my  good  according  to 
thy  word.  And  may  the  joy  of  thy  presence  en- 
lighten my  days  and  the  communion  of  thy  children 
be  my  delight.  Be  thou  my  help  and  deliverer,  my 
friend  and  hope  forevermore.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.     Amen. 

April  5  —  God  Who  Provides 

And  Jesus  looked  round  about  and  saith  unto  his 
disciples,  How  hardly  shall  they  that  have  riches 
enter  into  the  Kingdom  of  God !  And  the  disciples 
were  amazed  at  his  words.  But  Jesus  answereth  again 
and  saith  unto  them,  Children,  how  hard  it  is  for 
them  that  trust  in  riches  to  enter  into  the  Kingdom  of 
God!  — Mark  10  :  23. 

Search  me,  my  God,  and  see  if  love  of  money 
holds  a  place  of  worship  in  my  soul,  or  if  I  prefer 
the  riches  of  the  world  to  thee!  Help  me  to  seek 
thy  kingdom  first  and  add  thou  for  my  life  on  earth 
such  ■  gifts  as  thou  shalt  choose.  Thou  knowest 
that  I  have  need  of  food  and  raiment,  of  shelter  for 
myself  and  those  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  of 
work  and  love,  of  health  and  hope.  Thou  seest  I 
crave  the  blessings  of  earth's  life  —  rest  after  toil, 
the  joy  of  social  greetings  and  opportunities  of 
help  for  those  I  love.  Let  not  gifts  conceal  the 
Giver,  and  when  I  lack  teach  me  a  deeper  heart's 
content  in  thee.  So  choose  and  share  my  lot  and 
crown  my  hopes,  through  Jesus  Christ,  thy  perfect 
Gift.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       77 

April  6  —  Steadfast  Faith 

And  Peter  .  .  .  said,  Lord,  if  it  he  thou,  bid  me 
come  unto  thee  upon  the  waters.  And  Jesus  said, 
Come.  .  .  .  But  when  he  saw  the  wind,  he  was  afraid: 
and  beginning  to  sink,  he  cried  out,  saying,  Lord,  save 
me.  And  immediately  Jesus  stretched  forth  his  hand 
and  took  hold  of  him,  and  saith  unto  him,  0  thou  of 
little  faith,  wherefore  didst  thou  doubtf  —  Matt. 
14.  :  28. 

0  Lord,  our  confidence,  unto  thee  we  look  in  every 
doubt  or  fear,  for  thou  hast  ever  enlightened  our 
darkness.  Increase  our  faith  that  we  may  be  more 
useful  laborers  in  thy  vineyard,  less  distracted  by 
our  own  heart's  questionings  and  less  disturbed  by 
voices  from  without.  Give  us  the  steadfast  purpose 
of  the  strong  and  willing  followers  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  turned  not  back  from  the  tempta- 
tions, trials  and  sufferings  of  his  life  —  yea,  not 
from  death  itself  —  because  he  came  to  do  thy  will 
and  loved  thee  with  a  whole  heart  perfectly.  So 
teach  us  to  overcome  our  doubts  and  our  self-love  in 
true  obedience  to  thy  fatherly  commands  and  to 
know  thee  better  as  we  love  thee  more.  For  thou 
only  art  our  light  and  joy  and  the  satisfaction  of  our 
heart's  cravings ;  and  by  thy  life  we  live.     Amen. 

April  7  —  The  New  Life  with  Christ 

That  I  may  know  him,  and  the  power  of  his  resur- 
rection, and  the  fellowship  of  his  sufferings,  becoming 
conformed  unto  his  death;  if  by  any  means  I  may 
attain  unto  the  resurrection  from  the  dead.  — ■  Phil. 
3  :  10, 


78       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  all  the  living,  we 
thank  thee  for  the  revelation  of  thy  glory  in  the  life 
of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  For  his  incarnation, 
which  makes  the  brotherhood  of  man  divine;  for 
his  submission  to  the  power  of  death,  wherein  he 
bore  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree;  for  his 
glorious  resurrection  in  which  we  are  made  partakers ; 
and  for  the  enduring  life  in  which  he  continues  with 
his  church,  we  bring  thee  thanks.  Help  us  to  put 
away  the  death  of  sin,  and  to  live  henceforth  with 
him  in  the  new  life  of  his  resurrection.  Pity  us  in 
sorrow,  that  the  remembrance  of  his  love  may  bring 
us  joy.  Enlighten  us  in  darkness  by  the  ministra- 
tion of  thy  Spirit,  and  when  we  fall  asleep  on  earth 
awaken  us  in  thy  presence  with  the  resurrection  joy 
of  those  who  are  raised  with  Christ  in  glory.  For 
thine  is  the  power  and  majesty  and  the  eternal 
kingdom  of  our  hope  and  faith  forevermore.     Amen. 

April  8  —  Our  Friend  and  Helper 

Work  not  for  the  meat  that  perisheth,  but  for  the  meat 
that  abideth  unto  eternal  life,  which  the  Son  of  man 
shall  give  unto  you.  .  .  .  lliey  said  therefore  unto 
him,  What  must  we  do  that  we  may  work  the  works  of 
God?  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them.  This 
is  the  work  of  God,  that  ye  believe  on  him  whom  he 
hath  sent.  —  John  6  :  27. 

True  Friend  and  Helper  of  the  souls  of  men,  we 
look  to  thee  for  strength  and  peace.  We  thank 
thee  that  thou  hast  redeemed  us  and  made  us 
sharers  of  thy  life,  and  that  with  our  growing  love 
and  faith  has  come  a  deeper  vision  of  thine  eternal 
love.    As  thou  hast  given  thy  Son  a  ransom  for 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       79 

our  souls,  help  us  to  give  our  lives  to  thee  in  all 
sincerity  of  heart,  in  all  humility  of  service,  in  all 
delight  of  friendship,  in  zeal  and  wise  endeavor 
for  the  work  which  is  both  thine  and  ours.  Remove 
all  clouds  of  ignorance  and  sin  that  the  clear  shining 
of  thy  presence  may  be  manifest  in  us  from  day  to 
day.  Pitifully  behold  the  sorrows  of  our  hearts 
and  sustain  our  weakness  with  thy  strength.  And 
in  thy  lovingkindness  keep  us  ever  near  to  thee. 
In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

April  9  —  Laboring  in  Hope 

In  diligence  not  slothful;  fervent  in  spirit;  serving 
the  Lord;  rejoicing  in  hope;  patient  in  tribulation; 
continuing  steadfast  in  prayer;  communicating  to  the 
necessities  of  the  saints,  pursuing  hospitality.  —  Rom. 
12  :11. 

Father  in  Heaven,  from  whom  hope  and  expecta- 
tion come,  help  us  to  wait  with  confidence,  while  we 
labor  in  good  hope,  working  with  thee  for  the  up- 
building of  thy  kingdom  in  the  earth.  Let  not 
impatience  mar  our  obedience,  or  anxiety  rob  us  of 
peace  in  thy  service.  While  we  expect  the  finished 
victory  we  ask  companionship  with  thee  in  the 
day's  work  and  the  quiet  heart  with  which  we  lay 
us  down  to  sleep  at  night.  Thy  kingdom  come!  0 
Lord;  but  in  thine  own  good  time  and  way.  Thy 
will  be  done  in  our  own  hearts!  that  we  may  be 
thy  witnesses.  Give  us  the  confidence  that  grows 
through  deep  experience,  and  love  that  rests  upon 
thy  love  that  found  and  holds  us.  And  this  we  ask 
in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  the  Good  Shepherd 
that  giveth  his  life  for  the  sheep.    Amen. 


80       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

April  10  —  A  Thanksgiving 

It  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  and 
to  sing  praises  unto  thy  nayne,  0  Most  High.  To 
show  forth  thy  lovingkindness  in  the  morning,  and  thy 
faithfulness  every  night.  .  .  .  For  thou,  Lord,  hast 
made  me  glad  through  thy  work;  I  will  triumph  in 
the  works  of  thy  hands.  —  Psalm  92  : 1. 

We  bless  thee,  our  Father,  for  merciful  kmdness, 
unfailing  as  the  dawns  that  light  us  on  our  way. 
Thou  hast  given  food  sufficient  for  us,  sheltering 
peace  of  home,  strength  for  labor,  love  which  still 
interprets  thine  own  love  for  men,  pure  light  of 
friendship,  the  beauty  of  the  earth,  the  singing  heart 
of  youth,  the  spirit's  vision,  delight  of  achievement 
and  repose  of  sleep.  Thou  hast  made  us  a  nation, 
upheld  us  in  our  years  of  growth,  delivered  us  from 
sore  troubles  and  made  us  one  in  loyalty  and  hope. 
Thbu  hast  sustained  our  fathers,  be  with  us  also  in 
our  work.  Make  thy  church  glorious  in  Christ- 
like ministry  to  men  and  joyful  faith.  Bring  in  the 
kingdom  of  thy  love  and  the  holy  brotherhood  of 
thy  faithful  and  rejoicing  children.  And  for  the 
faith  and  hope  which  are  from  thee  through  Christ 
our  Lord  be  heartfelt  praise.     Amen. 


April  11  —  The  Risen  Lord 

And  the  angel  answered  and  said  unto  the  women, 
Fear  not  ye:  for  I  know  that  ye  seek  Jesus,  who  hath 
been  crucified.  He  is  not  here;  for  he  is  risen,  even 
as  he\said.  Come,  see  the  place  where  the  Lord  lay.  — 
Matt.  28  :5. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       81 

Unto  thee,  0  Christ,  who  hast  conquered  death 
and  risen  again,  be  glory  evermore!  Light  of  the 
World,  Splendor  of  the  Father's  presence.  Son  of 
Man  in  humility  of  self-devotion.  Son  of  God  in 
power  —  thy  risen  life  is  the  assurance  of  our  victory. 
From  our  low  estate,  compassed  with  weakness, 
made  subject  to  the  death  of  the  body,  we  look  up 
with  grateful  and  exultant  hearts  to  thee.  We 
thank  thee  that  thou  hast  tasted  death  for  every 
man,  and  risen  again  from  thy  humiliation  into 
glory.  As  thou  hast  called  us  to  be  one  with  thee  in 
suffering,  so  lead  us  through  experience  of  thy  help 
in  trial  to  the  triumph  of  thy  risen  and  eternal  life. 
Rid  us  of  all  absorbing  love  of  earth  and  of  all 
bondage  to  the  fear  of  death.  Purify  our  hearts  by 
the  indwelling  of  thy  spirit,  that  we  may  wait  thy 
coming  with  expectant  joy.  And  to  God  most  high, 
the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  be 
glory  evermore!    Amen. 

April  12  —  "  I  Have  Prayed  for  Thee  " 

By  so  much  also  hath  Jesus  become  the  surety  of  a 
better  covenant.  But  he,  because  he  abideth  for  ever, 
hath  a  priesthood  that  doth  not  pass  to  another.  Where- 
fore also  he  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  them  that 
draw  near  unto  God  through  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth 
to  make  intercession  for  them.  — •  Heb.  7  :  22. 

Thou  who  didst  intercede  for  thy  disciples,  grant 
thy  mercy  unto  all  men.  Thou  who  didst  pray 
for  Peter  that  his  faith  might  stand,  give  aid  to  the 
tempted  and  teach  them  how  to  overcome.  Thou 
whose  friends  left  thee  to  endure  and  work  alone, 
have  mercy  on  betrayed  and  lonely  hearts.     Helper 


82       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

in  trouble,  give  healing  and  comfort  to  the  bodies 
and  the  souls  of  men.  Man  of  Sorrows,  by  whose 
grief  we  are  brought  into  the  risen  life  of  joy,  uplift 
and  guide  the  brotherhood  in  which  thou  hast 
chosen  part.  Open  the  eyes  of  men  to  good.  Turn 
back  the  selfish  and  the  cruel  from  their  evil  way. 
Come  and  show  thyself  the  brother  of  all  men 
and  the  judge  before  whom  only  love  may  feel  itself 
secure.  Remember  those  who  wait  and  work  for 
thee  in  faith  and  in  love.  And  let  thy  kingdom 
come.    Amen. 

April  13  —  The  School  of  Life 

But  we  have  this  treasure  in  earthen  vessels,  that  the 
exceeding  greatness  of  the  power  may  be  of  God,  and 
not  from  ourselves;  we  are  pressed  on  every  side,  yet 
not  straitened;  perplexed,  yet  not  unto  despair;  pursued 
but  not  forsaken;  smitten  down,  yet  not  destroyed; 
always  bearing  about  in  the  body  the  dying  of  Jesus, 
that  the  life  also  of  Jesus  may  be  manifested  in  our 
body.  —  2  Cor.  4:7. 

0  God,  Our  Father,  make  us  apt  and  diligent 
students  in  this  school  of  life's  experiences,  and 
crown  our  efforts  with  the  wisdom  which  thou  alone 
canst  teach.  We  thank  thee  that  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  also  learned  obedience  by  the  things  which  he 
suffered.  We  bless  thee  that  thou  dost  not 
willingly  afflict  the  children  of  men  and  that  thou 
hast  taught  us  that  our  trials  work  out  for  us  more 
and  more  exceedingly  an  eternal  weight  of  glory. 
We  thank  thee  for  the  joj^s  and  companionships  of 
thy  school,  for  all  from  whom  we  have  learned 
wisdom  or  whose  example  has  been  a  light  upon  the 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       83 

way,  for  all  whom  thou  hast  given  us  to  help  and 
teach,  for  tasks  accomplished  and  new  opportunities 
of  knowledge  which  stretch  on  before.  Forgive  our 
idle  hours,  our  inattention,  our  misread  lessons  and 
our  faltering  hopes,  and  overrule  even  our  failures 
to  the  accomplishment  of  thy  will.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.    Amen. 


April  14  —  The  Unhurried  God 

And  therefore  will  the  Lord  wait,  that  he  may  be 
gracious  unto  you:  and  therefore  will  he  be  exalted, 
that  he  may  have  mercy  upon  you:  for  the  Lord  is  a 
God  of  justice;  blessed  are  all  they  that  wait  for  him.  — 
Is.  30  :  18. 

Too  often,  0  my  Father,  have  I  forgotten  with 
what  patience  Thou  hast  ever  worked:  too  much 
have  I  despised  my  little  duties  while  I  longed  for 
great  occasions.  Show  me,  my  Father,  the  deeper 
meaning  of  life's  commonplace  and  by  the  needful 
discipline  of  quiet  work  prepare  my  heart  for  the 
great  opportunities,  the  heavy  trials  of  my  life. 
So  fit  me,  more  and  more,  by  the  good  teaching  of 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  for  larger  work  with  thee,  and  let 
not  failure  hinder  those  I  love  or  fall  upon  thy  work 
through  my  presumptuous  undertakings.  Yet  pros- 
per, Lord,  if  it  please  thee,  my  better  ambitions, 
teaching  me  to  be  strong.  And  give  me  courage  to 
make  ventures  in  thy  service,  to  thine  own  glory 
and  my  growth  in  love  and  power.  Through  Jesus 
Christ,  my  Lord.     Amen. 


84       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

April  15  —  Life's  Opportunity 

And  working  together  ivith  him,  we  entreat  also 
that  ye  receive  not  the  grace  of  God  in  vain.  .  .  . 
{Behold  now  is  the  acceptable  time  .  .  .  )  giving  no 
occasion  of  stumhliiig  in  anything,  that  our  ministra- 
tion be  not  blamed;  but  in  everything  commending 
ourselves,  as  ministers  of  God.  —  2  Cor.  6:1. 

Teach  us  to  walk  with  thee  in  the  true  and  holy 
life,  0  God,  and  to  make  the  most  of  earth  because 
it  is  our  opportunity  of  service  and  of  growth  into 
thy  likeness.  So  teach  us  to  use  each  day's  strength 
that  we  may  have  continual  assurance  of  thy  pres- 
ence and  growing  power  to  share  thy  thoughts  and 
do  thy  work.  Help  us  to  rest  our  hearts  in  thee,  0 
Thou  our  sure  defense,  content  with  thine  upholding 
when  earth's  waves  of  trial  overflow.  Help  us  to 
seek  no  life  but  thine,  to  ask  no  better  gift  than  the 
companionship  with  Christ.  And  may  the  experi- 
ence of  his  presence  make  us  constant  witnesses  for 
thee.  Let  love  and  patience,  learned  of  him,  com- 
mend our  life  to  others,  leading  them  to  faith  and 
glad  obedience  to  the  teaching  of  thy  Spirit.  So 
enrich  our  souls  with  good,  for  thou  art  our  true  life, 
our  perfect  and  enduring  joy.  And  to  thy  name  be 
praise  forever  more.     Amen. 


April  16  —  Exultant  Faith 

I  will  greatly  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  my  soul  shall  be 
joyful  in  my  God:  for  he  hath  clothed  me  with  the 
garments  of  righteousness.  .  .  .  For  as  the  earth 
bringeth  forth  her  bud,  and  as  the  garden  causeth  the 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       85 

things  that  are  sown  in  it  to  spring  forth;  so  the  Lord 
God  will  cause  righteoiisness  and  praise  to  spring 
forth  before  all  the  nations.  —  7s.  61  :  10. 

Thy  marvelous  gifts,  0  Lord,  are  our  continual 
satisfaction  and  delight.  We  thank  thee  that  thou 
hast  called  us  to  be  thy  children,  sent  thy  Son,  our 
Saviour  and  our  Elder  Brother,  and  given  thy  Holy 
Spirit  as  our  guide.  Teach  us  to  prove  our  gratitude 
in  joyful  obedience  and  the  cheerful  quiet  of  our 
faith.  We  thank  thee  for  homes  where  thy  presence 
is  the  crown  of  work  and  joy,  for  love  and  kindly 
ministries,  for  our  place  in  the  work  of  the  world, 
true  friendship,  delights  along  the  common  way, 
courage  to  venture  and  endure,  treasures  of  thought, 
stored  wealth  in  memories  of  the  living  and  the  dead. 
Praise  be  unto  thee,  0  Lord,  for  the  progress  of  thy 
kingdom  which  our  eyes  have  seen  and  for  the  open 
doors  thou  hast  set  before  us!  Send  us  thy  peace 
even  in  trial  and  may  our  love  and  gratitude  abound, 
to  the  glory  of  thy  name.     Amen. 


April  17  —  The  Coming  in  of  the  Lord 

When  therefore  it  was  evening,  on  that  day,  the 
first  day  of  the  week,  and  when  the  doors  were  shut 
where  the  disciples  were,  for  fear  of  the  Jews,  Jesus 
came  and  stood  in  the  midst,  and  saith  unto  them, 
Peace  be  unto  you!  —  John  20  :  19. 

Out  of  glad  hearts  we  bring  thee  praise,  0  Christ, 
that  thou  hast  died  and  risen  again  to  be  our  life 
and  hope.  Help  us  to  die  to  sin,  that  we  may  live  to 
thee  and  have  thy  likeness  as  our  heart's  desire. 
We  thank  thee  for  the  promise  of  thy  reign  in  every 


86       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

willing  heart,  the  certain  glory  of  thy  kingdom  and 
the  final  triumph  of  God's  love  for  men.  Forgive 
our  many  sins  against  thy  patient  love  and  grant  us 
power  for  service  that  we  may  be  one  with  thee  in 
work  and  hope.  M^y  our  lives  show  forth  the  glory 
of  the  risen  life  in  an  abounding  and  victorious  joy, 
over  which  death  and  the  fear  of  death  can  have  no 
more  dominion.  Because  we  are  risen  with  thee, 
help  us  to  cease  from  sin  and  to  live  to  thee  in  faith 
and  love  f ore vermore .     Amen . 


April  18  —  Rest  of  Heart 

Co7ne  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden, 
and  I  will  give  you  rest.  Take  my  yoke  upon  you, 
and  learn  of  me;  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart: 
and  ye  shall  find  rest  unto  your  souls.  For  my  yoke 
is  easy,  and  my  burden  is  light.  —  Matt.  11  :  28. 

Our  Lord  of  rest,  go  with  us  where  we  go  and  re- 
main with  us  where  we  are  called  to  remain,  for  rest 
of  heart,  in  work  and  quietness,  for  love  of  the 
brotherhood,  for  incentive  to  helpfulness,  in  solitude 
and  in  new  experience  alike  our  comprehending  and 
sympathizing  friend.  Be  thou  the  encourager  of  the 
discouraged  and  the  cheer  of  the  sad.  And  let  us 
learn  in  all  experience,  at  home  or  abroad,  to  draw 
near  to  thee.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


April  19  —  The  Seed  of  the  Kingdom 

And  the  disciples  came  unto  him,  saying.  Explain 
unto  us  the  parable  of  the  tares  of  the  field.  And  he 
answered  and  said,  He  that  soweth  the  good  seed  is 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       87 

the  Son  of  man;  and  the  field  is  the  world;  and  the 
good  seed,  these  are  the  sons  of  the  kingdom.  —  Matt. 
13  :  36. 

0  Thou,  our  source,  our  satisfaction  and  the  goal 
of  our  endeavor,  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of  Man,  our 
Saviour  and  our  Friend,  so  let  thy  kingdom  come  in 
us  that  we  may  be  thy  witnesses  and  the  heralds  of 
thy  love  to  men.  Let  us  not  bear  the  cross  in  vain, 
or  fail  to  reach  thy  joy  of  helpfulness.  Speak 
through  us,  0  Lord,  with  something  of  thy  power  of 
revealing  the  love  of  God  to  men.  By  the  trials  of 
thine  earthly  life,  help  us  in  trial  that  we  too  may 
be  strong  to  overcome.  Let  thy  joy  in  the  presence 
of  the  Father,  in  the  work  of  his  hands  and  in  the 
brotherhood  of  his  children  be  the  sources  of  our 
joy.  As  thou  hast  died,  let  death  have  no  dominion 
over  us.  And  may  all  love  which  thou  hast  given 
us  on  earth  be  ever  in  thy  keeping,  with  all  our  lesser 
gifts  and  hopes.    Amen. 


April  20  —  God  in  His  World 

I  have  seen  the  travail  which  God  hath  given  to  the 
sons  of  men  to  be  exercised  therewith.  He  hath  made 
everything  beautiful  in  its  time:  also  he  hath  set  the 
world  in  their  heart,  yet  so  that  man  cannot  find  out 
the  work  that  God  hath  done  from  the  beginning  even 
to  the  end.  — Eccl.  3  :  10. 

Thou  life  and  joy  of  all  that  is,  we  thank  thee  that 
thou  rejoicest  with  us  in  the  various  beauty  which  we 
find  on  earth.  May  the  illimitable  spaces  of  the  sky 
speak  to  our  hearts  of  thee.  Let  the  dawn  tell  of 
thy  care  in  the  night  watches,  when  thou  givest  to  us 


B8       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

in  sleep.  When  night  returns  and  the  stars  look- 
down,  open  our  hearts  to  their  revelation  of  thy  glory. 
Thou  who  hast  ordained  the  changing  year,  seed- 
time and  harvest,  growth  and  rest;  Oh,  bring  to 
ripening  the  harvest  of  thy  planting  in  our  lives! 
Open  our  eyes  to  behold  yet  deeper  wonders  in  the 
earth  about  us.  Attune  our  hearts  to  sympathy 
with  the  needs  and  joys  of  all  creatures  thou  hast 
made.  So  prepare  us  for  the  richer  experience  and 
wider  vision  which  thou  hast  promised  and  prepared. 
In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

April  21  —  Taking  Heed 

So  teach  us  to  number  our  days  that  we  may  get  us  a 
heart  of  wisdom.  ...  0  satisfy  us  in  the  morning 
with  thy  lovingkindness,  that  we  may  rejoice  and  be 
glad  all  our  days.  —  Psalm  90  :  12. 

Father  in  heaven,  the  Giver  of  earth's  opportun- 
ity, the  Hope  and  Reward  of  our  continuallj^-chang- 
ing  lives,  so  teach  us  to  number  our  days  that  we 
may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Help  us  to  be 
diligent,  knowing  the  worth  of  time  and  scattering 
good  seed  with  cheerful  courage,  leaving  to  thee 
the  fruitage  of  the  years.  In  our  sowing  let  us  not 
be  envious  that  the  harvest  comes  to  others.  In 
reaping  may  we  not  forget  that  we  gather  where 
other  men  have  sown.  Let  the  coming  of  the  night, 
wherein  earth's  work  must  cease,  be  our  incentive  to 
timely  labor  and  our  promise  of  the  rest  which 
Christ  prepares.  Because  we  are  little  and  the  work 
is  great,  sustain  and  encourage  our  hearts  to  faithful 
endeavor  by  the  power  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  dwelling 
in  us,  and  keep  us  from  all  idleness  and  procrastina- 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       89 

tion,  as  well  as  from  the  folly  of  misdirected  energy 
and  overwork.  For  the  sake  of  Christ,  the  Master 
and  Companion  of  our  lives.     Amen. 

April  22  —  The  Coming  of  the  Kingdom 

Then  Simeon  received  him  into  his  arms,  and 
blessed  God,  and  said,  Now  lettest  thou  thy  servant 
depart,  Lord,  according  to  thy  word  in  peace;  For  mine 
eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation,  which  thou  hast  prepared 
before  the  face  of  all  peoples;  a  light  for  revelation 
to  the  Gentiles,  and  the  glory  of  thy  people  Israel.  — 
Luke  2  :  28. 

0  God,  the  assurance  of  our  eternal  life,  grant  us 
light  and  strength  to  be  good  followers  of  our  Brother, 
Jesus  Christ,  in  these  trial  days  of  our  mortality. 
Uphold  and  comfort  all  who  suffer.  Let  thy  king- 
dom come  in  the  hearts  of  men,  that  we  may  rebuild 
our  world  in  justice  and  good  will.  We  bless  thee 
for  thy  presence  and  for  every  lovingkindness  we 
have  known.  Make  us  and  all  Christians  one  in 
faithful  witness  to  thy  purposes  of  love.  And  let 
thy  will  be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven.  In 
the  name  of  Chris  t .     Amen . 

April  23  —  With  God  at  Home 

Blessed  is  every  one  that  feareth  the  Lord,  that 
walketh  in  his  ways.  For  thou  shall  eat  the  labor  of 
thy  hands;  happy  shall  thou  be  and  it  shall  be  well 
with  thee.  .  .  .  Yea,  see  thou  thy  children's  children, 
and  peace  upon  Israel.  —  Psalm  128  : 1. 

Father  of  our  spirits,  who  hast  given  us  the  joys  of 
home,  make  one  with  us,  we  pray  thee,  in  our  life 


90       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

from  day  to  day.  Let  reverence  and  love  abide  and 
childlike  faith  keep  our  hearts  at  rest  in  thee. 
May  we  show  honor  and  kindness,  looking  each  one 
on  the  needs  of  others  as  well  as  on  our  own  desires. 
Where  we  touch  the  world  without,  may  the  light 
of  our  home  peace  and  joy  be  seen.  When  we  go 
forth,  help  us  to  remember  that  all  the  earth  is 
thy  house  and  all  men  our  brothers  of  the  glorious 
life.  When  we  return,  enable  us  to  leave  cares  and 
perplexities  behind  us.  Quicken  our  affections 
that  they  may  grow  like  thy  infinite,  patient  and 
unfailing  love.  Deepen  our  experience  that  we  may 
bring  richer  treasures  to  the  commonwealth  of  home. 
Lighten  all  burdens  of  our  work  by  remembrance  of 
thy  sympathy.  Sustain  us  in  weakness,  and  com- 
fort our  hearts  in  the  inevitable  griefs  of  earth. 
So  make  us  true  and  loving  followers  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  and  heirs  with  him  of  the  eternal  home. 
Amen. 

April  24  —  Using  God's  Gifts 

For  it  is  as  when  a  man  going  into  another  country, 
called  his  oiv7i  servants  and  delivered  unto  them  his 
goods.  And  unto  one  he  gave  five  talents,  to  a7iother 
two,  to  another  one;  to  each  according  to  his  several 
ability.  .  .  .  Now  ajter  a  long  time  the  Lord  of  those 
servants  cometh,  and  maketh  a  reckoning  with  them.  — 
Matt.  25  :  I4. 

Giver  of  all  good  gifts,  my  Father  and  my  Joy, 
so  rule  my  life  by  the  guidance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit 
that  I  may  use  thy  bounty  in  love  of  thee.  Let  not 
thy  mercies  become  occasions  of  forgetting,  nor  the 
treasures  which  thy  love  bestows  lead  me  to  covet 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       91 

or  to  rest  my  heart  in  what  I  own.  Let  my  enjoy- 
ments know  thy  presence  and  find  their  deepest 
springs  in  thee=  Let  not  my  goods  divide  me  from 
the  Source  of  good.  Arm  me  against  the  powers  of 
selfishness,  lest  I  become  like  the  unjust  and  cruel 
of  the  earth  and  my  love  wither  in  contempt  of 
brotherhood.  Let  me  be  thine  and  live  to  thee, 
though  all  else  perishes,  and  teach  me  to  seek 
and  find  thee  in  all  experience.  So  let  Christ  be 
honored  and  his  kingdom  come,  and  all  my  trial, 
of  adversity  or  of  prosperity,  serve  his  purposes. 
Amen. 

April  25  —  God's  Work  With  Man 

NoiD  there  are  diversities  of  gifts,  but  the  same 
Spirit.  And  there  are  diversities  of  ministries  and 
the  same  Lord.  And  there  are  diversities  of  workings, 
but  the  same  God,  who  worketh  all  things  in  all.  —  1 
Cor.  12  : 4. 

0  Thou  that  hidest  thyself  in  light,  God  of  all 
power,  the  indwelling  Spirit  of  the  universal  frame, 
we  thank  Thee  for  thy  Fatherhood  which  Christ 
has  shown  to  men.  Open  thou  our  eyes  that  we 
may  see  thee  as  Light  in  all  our  thoughts  of  mystery, 
as  Love  in  all  our  loves,  as  the  Worker  in  our  souls, 
ever  desirous  to  perfect  thine  image  in  us  by  the 
teaching  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Assure  our  hearts  that 
Thou  art  ever  ready  to  give  thyself  to  us  according 
to  our  need  and  that  in  seeking  we  shall  find  and  in 
experience  come  to  know  thee.  Let  the  heights  and 
depths  of  thine  infinitude  assure  us  that  there  will 
be  joy  unceasing  in  our  life  with  thee  —  the  joy  of 
ever-new  discovery,  of  continual  advance  in  knowl- 


92       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

edge  and  delight.  So,  in  the  wealth  of  thy  great 
love,  may  our  hearts  be  lifted  up,  that  we  may  know 
the  love  of  Christ,  which  passeth  knowledge.     Amen. 


April  26  —  For  Laborers  in  God's  Harvest 

Now  after  these  things  the  Lord  appointed  seventy 
others,  and  sent  them  two  and  two  before  his  face  into 
every  city  and  place,  whither  he  himself  was  about  to 
come.  And  he  said  unto  theyn,  The  harvest  indeed 
is  plenteous,  but  the  laborers  are  few.  Pray  ye 
therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  that  he  send  forth 
laborers  into  his  harvest.  — Luke  10  : 1. 

0  God,  who  hast  so  loved  the  world  as  to  give 
thine  only  begotten  Son  for  its  redemption,  send 
forth,  we  beseech  thee,  laborers  into  fields  that  are 
white  for  harvest.  Raise  up  men  full  of  thy  Spirit, 
rich  in  knowledge  of  thy  Word,  strong  in  faith, 
loving  the  truth  and  peace.  Make  every  Chris- 
tian a  witnessing  disciple.  Send  thou  us,  we  pray; 
making  us  sharers  of  the  harvest  joy  of  Christ; 
giving  us  eyes  to  see  and  hearts  to  improve  our  daily 
opportunities.  Let  thy  glory  shine  through  faith- 
ful and  contented  lives  and  may  we  never  be 
ashamed  to  confess  the  name  of  our  Redeemer. 
Direct  and  sustain  us  in  loving  service,  and  help  us 
by  deeper  consecration  to  overcome  our  selfishness 
in  the  use  of  holy  things.  So  make  our  lives  and 
words  effectual  for  thy  harvest  work  with  souls, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       93 

April  27  —  The  Beauty  of  the  World 

Thou  crownest  the  year  with  thy  goodness,  and 
thy  paths  drop  fatness.  They  drop  upon  the  pastures 
of  the  wilderness;  and  the  hills  are  girded  with  joy. 
The  pastures  are  clothed  with  flocks:  the  valleys  also 
are  covered  over  with  corn;  they  shout  for  joy,  they 
also  sing.  —  Psalm  65  :  11. 

0  God  who  hast  made  our  world  so  beautiful 
and  given  us  eyes  to  see  and  ears  to  hear,  let  thy 
love  teach  our  hearts  to  praise.  As  the  leaves  grow, 
which  thou  hast  made  for  but  a  season's  use,  and 
the  flowers  spring  up  and  give  forth  fragrance, 
though  they  are  but  for  a  day,  let  not  the  brief 
season  and  the  passing  of  our  lives  rob  them  of 
their  joy.  We  thank  thee  that  thou  art  ever  mind- 
ful of  us  and  wilt  not  leave  us  to  the  power  of  death 
or  let  us  pass  into  forgetfulness.  So  may  we  feel 
that  we  both  live  for  thee  and  share  thy  pleasure  in 
the  beauty  of  the  earth,  and  thy  desire  and  purpose 
in  our  immortality.  Teach  us  to  lead  such  lives 
as  shall  be  worthy  of  our  place  of  pilgrimage,  and 
of  the  great  hopes  of  the  liffe  which  we  shall  spend 
with  thee.     In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

April  28  —  When  Tides  Are  Out 

For  though  the  fig  tree  shall  not  flourish,  neither 
shall  fruit  he  in  the  vines,  the  labor  of  the  olive  shall 
fail,  and  the  fields  shall  yield  no  meat.  .  .  .  Yet  1 
will  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  I  will  joy  in  the  God  of  my 
salvation.  —  Hab.\3 :  17. 

Thou  hast  sustained  us  hitherto ;  uphold  us  still, 
0  Lord,  in  all  the  troubles  of  our  lives  and  in  joys 


94       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

that  tempt  us  to  forget  thy  presence.  When 
troubles  come  and  the  tides  run  out  and  to  our 
fainting  hearts  the  ocean  of  thy  merciful  kindness 
seems  out  of  reach,  teach  us  the  prophetic  patience 
which  looks  in  quiet  faith  for  the  return  of  joy  and 
strength.  Be  thou  in  our  deepest  heart's  experience, 
our  Father,  in  discouraged  days  as  well  as  when 
our  desires  are  satisfied,  in  our  labor  as  in  our  rest. 
We  lift  our  hearts  in  thanksgiving  for  thy  manifold 
gifts  and  blessings  and  thy  continual  guardian  care 
and  love.  Help  us  not  to  fail  thee  in  thy  purpose 
for  our  life  on  earth,  nor  to  miss  our  opportunity 
of  helping  others,  in  the  name  and  for  the  sake  of 
Christ.    Amen. 

April  29  —  The  Water  of  Life 

Let  thy  work  appear  unto  thy  servants,  ■  and  thy 
glory  upon  their  children.  And  let  the  beaidy  of  the 
Lord  our  God  be  upon  us;  and  establish  thou  the  work 
of  our  hands  upon  us;  yea,  the  work  of  our  hands, 
establish  thou  it.  —  Psalm  90  :  16. 

Out  of  thy  fulness.  Lord,  content  our  longing 
souls  with  good.  Thou  art  the  fountain  whence 
all  our  satisfaction  flows.  Give  us  delights  that 
shall  not  fail  —  streams  of  thy  bounty  and  refresh- 
ing waters  of  thy  love.  Mingle  thy  blessing  with 
every  cup.  Keep  from  our  lips  all  poisonous 
draughts  of  sin;  0  satisfy  us  early  with  thy  mercy, 
and  make  thy  joy  our  portion  day  and  night. 
Transform  our  pleasures  by  thy  presence.  Scatter 
fear  in  conHdence  of  love.  Give  strength  in  grief 
and  uphold  us  in  all  needful  cares  of  earth  that  our 
spirits  may  be  unperturbed  and  our  faith  grow 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       95 

strong  in  experience  of  thy  grace.  Hast  thou  not 
called  us  to  come  and  take  of  the  water  of  life  freely? 
In  the  name  of  Christ  we  come.     Amen. 


April  30  —  Postponements 

But  forget  not  this  one  thing,  beloved,  that  one  day 
is  with  the  Lord  as  a  thousand  years,  and  a  thousand 
years  as  one  day.  The  Lord  is  not  slack  concerning 
his  promise  .  .  .  but  is  long  suffering  to  you-ward, 
not  wishing  that  any  should  perish  but  that  all  should 
come  to  repentance.  —  2  Pet.  3:8. 

0  Thou  who  art  ever  granting  us  gifts  and  de- 
lights and  enriching  life  by  thy  presence  and  thy 
love,  help  us  in  all  postponements  and  disappoint- 
ments which  thy  care  decrees  neither  to  judge 
wrongly  of  thy  will  to  bless  nor  to  be  impatient 
because  we  cannot  have  desire  fulfilled  in  present 
joy.  Fix  our  hearts  on  thee  and  turn  our  wishes 
toward  true  and  willing  obedience  to  thy  fatherly 
pleasure.  Be  thou  to  us,  our  Father,  better  than 
our  thoughts  of  good  and  show  us  depths  and 
heights  yet  undiscovered  in  thy  mercy.  Forget 
not  our  weakness  and  the  tenderness  of  our  hearts 
which  thou  thyself  hast  implanted.  Be  the  steward 
rather  than  destroyer  of  our  desires  and  in  thine 
own  good  time  fulfil  them,  according  to  the  abun- 
dance of  thy  mercies  and  the  wisdom  of  thy  love. 
So  may  we  learn  to  wait  without  impatience  and  to 
work  in  restfulness  of  heart.  And  may  all  our 
deepest  wishes  be  summed  up  in  the  desire  for  the 
coming  of  God's  kingdom  and  the  honor  of  his 
name.    Amen. 


96       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

May  1  —  The  Coming  of  the  Spring 

For  as  the  rain  cometh  down  and  the  snow  from 
heaven  and  returneth  not  thither,  hut  water eth  the  earth, 
and  rnaketh  it  bring  forth  and  bud,  and  giveth  seed 
to  the  sower  and  bread  to  the  eater:  so  shall  my  word 
be.  .  .  .—  Is.  55  :  10. 

Thine  are  these  gifts  of  joy  and  beauty  in  the 
opening  year,  Father  of  Life,  in  whom  we  live  and 
love!  Let  the  sunlight  and  the  showers  speak  of 
thy  bounty  as  the  promise  of  thy  care  heartens  the 
sower  in  his  toil.  We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
laid  up  in  store  through  wintry  days  the  hidden 
strength  which  brought  these  leaves  and  early 
blossoms  forth,  that  thou  hast  remembered  and  art 
ever  with  us,  our  life  and  our  interpreter  for  all  the 
life  of  earth.  We  bless  thee  that  thou  hast  given  us 
eyes  for  vision,  ears  for  music,  hearts  to  take  delight 
in  all  the  wonder  of  the  passing  days,  faith  to  trust 
thee  even  in  thy  mysteries  of  sin  and  sorrow,  war 
and  suffering,  fire  and  storm,  earthquake  and  de- 
stroying wind.  We  give  thee  thanks  for  life  with 
thee  and  for  our  joy  of  faith  and  love.  Perfect 
thy  thought  concerning  us  and  make  us  like  thyself. 
In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


May  2  —  The  Considerate  Heart 

For  as  the  heavens  are  high  above  the  earth,  so  great 
is  his  lovingkindness  toward  them  that  fear  hirn. 
A  s  far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west,  so  far  hath  he  re- 
moved our  transgressions  from  us.  Like  as  a  father 
pitieth  his  children,  so  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fi^ar 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       97 

him.    For  he  knoweth  our  frame;  he  remembereth  that 
we  are  dust.  —  Psahn  103  :  11. 

Lord,  of  thy  merciful  kindness,  teach  us  to  be 
regardful  and  sympathetic  toward  our  fellowmen. 
Let  our  courtesy  be  that  of  brothers  who  find  some- 
thing of  their  father's  character  in  all  who  belong  to 
their  father's  house.  Enable  us  to  seek  with  pa- 
tience the  reality  of  good  behind  each  mask  of 
haste  or  carelessness.  Forgive  us  our  sins  of  un- 
kindness,  0  Thou  long-suffering  Lord,  and  hear  us 
when  we  cry  to  thee  to  be  delivered  from  the  self- 
regarding  impatience  of  our  own  hearts.  By  the 
example  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  who  when  he  was  reviled, 
reviled  not  again,  help  us  to  strive  for  true  humility 
and  fellow-feeling  toward  all  his  brethren.  And 
tame  the  madness  of  our  tongues  by  the  power  of 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  making  our  thoughts  pure  and  our 
speech  gracious.     In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

May  3  —  Joy  of  Overcoming 

I  write  unto  you,  young  men,  because  ye  have  over- 
come the  evil  one.  ...  7  have  written  unto  you,  young 
men,  because  ye  are  strong,  and  the  word  of  God  abideth 
in  you,  and  ye  have  overcome  the  evil  one.  —  1  John 

2  :  13. 

My  Father,  help  me  not  to  be  troubled  because 
thou  hast  suffered  me  to  be  often  tried,  perplexed, 
shut  up  to  difficult  choices,  mistaken  and  defeated. 
I  desire  of  thee  and  ask  thee  in  the  name  of  thy 
overcoming  Son,  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  I  too  in  my 
life's  day  may  have  some  joy  of  overcoming,  that  I 
may  not  come  to  my  end  defeated  and  disgraced 
at  last,  and  that  thou  mayest  not  be  ashamed  when 


98       PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

thou  lookest  on  thy  child.  Though  I  understand 
not  always  the  reason  for  my  trials,  help  me  con- 
fidently to  believe  in  thy  fatherly  love  and  care. 
Oh,  make  them  ever  my  assurance  of  final  victory 
and  enduring  content!  Let  me  not  seek  any  lower 
grounds  of  confidence,  but  prove  thee  in  courageous 
venturing  from  day  to  day,  not  fearing  the  power 
of  evil,  but  following  Christ  with  ready  faith  and 
love.    Amen. 

May  4  —  Power  Through  Fellowship 

Waiting  for  the  revelation  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ: 
who  shall  also  confirm  you  unto  the  end,  that  ye  he 
unreprovable  in  the  day  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
God  is  faithful,  through  whom  ye  were  called  into  the 
fellowship  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  —  1  Cor. 
1  :7. 

0  God  our  Helper,  from  whom  cometh  both  our 
desire  to  seek  thee  and  our  satisfaction  in  the  quest, 
teach  us  by  the  guidance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  to 
use  the  power  which  thou  hast  given  us  through  our 
communion  with  thee,  so  that  thy  will  may  be  done 
in  our  own  hearts  and,  more  and  more,  in  the  world 
where  thou  hast  sent  us  forth  as  witnesses.  Work 
within  us,  that  thou  mayest  work  through  us  and 
by  our  means,  for  the  glory  of  thy  name  and  the 
coming  of  thy  kingdom.  We  thank  thee  for  thy 
presence  and  the  assurance  that  thou  art  ever  ready 
to  give  us  aid.  While  we  are  travelers  in  the 
changeful  pilgrims'  road,  make  us  in  our  deepest 
heart's  experience  live  at  home  with  thee.  And 
these  things  we  ask  of  thee  in  the  name  of  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS       99 

May  5  — The  Touchstone  of  God's  Presence 

Prove  all  things;  hold  fast  that  which  is  good; 
abstain  from  every  form  of  evil.  And  the  God  of  'peace 
himself  sanctifij  you  wholly;  and  may  your  spirit 
and  soul  and  body  be  preserved  entire,  without  blame 
at  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  —  1  Thess. 
5:21. 

Lord,  though  I  am  fettered  by  a  thousand  things, 
which  I  plainly  see  are  only  good  in  thy  companion- 
ship, help  me  to  weigh  and  estimate  my  possessions 
and  desires,  so  that  I  may  cherish  all  that  speak 
to  me  of  thee.  Blessed  be  thou,  my  Father,  that 
the  best  and  highest  are  never  out  of  reach  of  the 
poorest  man  on  earth.  When  I  am  drawn  by  this 
duty  and  by  that,  give  me  enlightenment,  that  I 
may  see  how  they  are  related  to  thy  righteousness. 
So  let  the  desire  to  do  thy  will  prove  all  experiences 
and  keep  my  thoughts  in  harmony  with  thine,  my 
Father  and  my  Friend.  Lord,  thou  thyself  hast 
sent  me  on  this  pilgrimage,  be  ever  with  me  as  my 
guide.  Where  thou  goest  not  suffer  me  not  to  go. 
And  bring  me  to  thy  chosen  end  in  peace  through 
Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord.     Amen. 


May  6  —  The  Unf orgetting  God 

But  Zion  saith,  Jehovah  hath  forsaken  me,  and  the 
Lord  hath  forgotten  me.  Can  a  woman  forget  her 
sucking  child,  that  she  shoidd  not  have  compassion 
on  the  son  of  her  womb?  Yea,  these  may  forget,  yet 
will  not  I  forget  thee.  Behold  I  have  graven  thee  on 
the  palms  of  my  hands;  thy  walls  are  continually 
before  me.  —  Is.  49  :  14' 


100     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Father,  who  knowest  our  too  easily  discouraged 
thoughts,  assure  our  hearts  that  we  are  neither  for- 
gotten nor  forsaken,  but  that  thou  art  ever  with  us 
to  uphold  and  aid.  Make  even  our  weakness  effec- 
tive by  thy  strength,  and  let  thy  work  prosper  in 
our  hands.  Give  us  the  heavenly  wisdom  that 
attunes  our  thoughts  to  thine,  turning  adventures  in 
thy  service  to  joy  of  heart  and  purposes  of  good. 
We  thank  thee  for  our  need  of  thee  that  purifies  our 
thoughts  and  for  the  wonder  and  exultation  of  thy 
need  of  us.  Keep  us  in  faith  and  love,  that  we  may 
abide  continually  in  the  heaven  of  thy  presence. 
Show  us  thy  will  for  daily  work  and  joy,  for  the 
needs  of  thy  kingdom  and  for  the  love  we  owe  our 
brothers  of  the  family  of  God.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.     Amen. 

May  7  —  For  Friends 

These  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you,  that  my  joy 
may  be  in  you,  a7id  that  your  joy  may  be  made  fidl. 
This  is  my  commandment,  that  ye  love  one  another, 
even  as  I  have  loved  you.  Greater  love  hath  no  man 
than  this,  that  a  man  lay  down  his  life  for  his  friends. 
Ye  are  my  friends  if  ye  do  the  things  I  command  you.  — 
John  15  :  11. 

0  Lord,  our  Guide,  our  Friend,  our  continual 
and  unfailing  Hope,  we  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
given  us  the  joy  of  human  friendships  and  crowned 
our  life  with  love.  We  commit  to  thee  our  friends 
and  all  the  interests  which  are  precious  to  our 
hearts,  assured  that  what  is  rightly  dear  to  us  is 
also  dear  to  thee,  and  that  thou  carest  for  the  needs 
of  all  with  power  and  knowledge  far  beyond  our 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     101 

grasp  or  thought.  For  those  with  whom  we  live 
from  day  to  day,  that  we  may  serve  them  with  wise 
as  well  as  deep  affection;  for  the  absent,  that  we 
may  be  constant  in  love  and  prayer,  and  yet  not 
anxious,  knowing  that  thy  care  is  better  than  our 
gifts;  for  all  whom  we  have  offended  or  neglected 
or  misunderstood;  we  ask  thy  blessing  in  the  name 
of  Christ  the  Saviour  and  the  Friend  of  man.    Amen. 


May  8  —  Joy  in  Pilgrimage 

Thy  statutes  have  been  my  songs  in  the  house  of 
my  pilgrimage.  I  have  remembered  thy  name,  0 
Lord,  in  the  night  and  have  observed  thy  law.  This 
I  have  had,  because  I  kept  thy  precepts.  —  Psalm 
119  :54. 

0  Thou  that  givest  good  cheer,  help  us  to  sing 
for  joy  of  heart  in  all  the  days  of  our  pilgrimage. 
Lead  us  by  thy  Good  Spirit  through  all  perplexities 
and  trials  until  the  purpose  of  earth's  life  is  ac- 
complished in  us  and  thou  bringest  us  to  thy  home 
on  high  w4th  everlasting  joy.  Shine  in  our  darkness 
with  a  light  that  grows  as  we  draw  near  our  home. 
Help  us  to  keep  a  cheerful  courage  in  trying  experi- 
ences and  to  be  full  of  cheer  in  the  small  annoyances 
and  sufferings  of  ordinary  days.  May  none  think 
wrongly  of  the  happiness  of  faith  through  our  un- 
christian gloom  or  faithless  despondency.  And 
may  we  have  grace  to  thank  thee  for  the  little 
pleasures  and  sustainings  of  our  daily  life.  Through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


102     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

c 

May  9  —  The  Better  Treasure 

The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  merchant- 
man seeking  goodly  pearls  :  and  having  found  one 
pearl  of  great  price,  he  went  and  sold  all  that  he  had 
and  bought  it.  —  Matt.  13  :  4^. 

0  Thou  who  art  the  Source  and  Satisfaction  of  my 
heart  and  its  chief  good,  let  neither  evil  draw  me 
away,  nor  the  lesser  joys  of  life  hinder  my  joy  in 
thee.  Help  me  never  to  rest  in  a  quick  content 
which  leads  to  poverty  of  soul,  but  to  seek  and  find 
thee,  who  art  not  far  from  any  one  of  us.  Yet, 
Lord,  since  I  for  a  little  dwell  at  home  among 
the  little  things  of  earth,  grant  me  the  experience  of 
thy  love  even  in  these.  May  beauty  and  pleasure, 
and  all  the  gifts  that  fill  my  hands  speak  to  my 
heart  of  thy  lovingkindness.  Go  thou  with  me 
wherever  thou  wilt  have  me  go.  So  let  me  have  eyes 
to  see  and  wings  of  thought  to  rise  into  thy  presence, 
hands  to  serve  and  feet  to  run  at  thy  bidding;  and 
may  no  gift  of  thine  be  spoiled  in  the  experience  of 
my  soul  by  selfishness.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

May  10  —  The  Workers  of  the  World 

Thou  shall  not  oppress  a  hired  servant  that  is  poor 
and  needy,  whether  he  be  of  thy  l>rethren,  or  of  thy 
strangers  that  are  in  thy  land  within  thy  gates.  At 
his  day  thou  shall  give  him  his  hire,  neither  shall  the 
sun  go  down  upon  it.  .  .  .  When  thou  cuttest  down 
thy  harvest  in  thy  field  and  hast  forgot  a  sheaf  .  .  . 
thou  shall  not  go  again  to  fetch  it:  it  shall  be  for  the 
stranger,  for  the  fatherless  and  for  the  widow:    that 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS      103 

the  Lord  thy  God  may  hless  thee  in  all  the  work  of  thine 
hands.  —  Deut.  2Jf.  :  IJj.. 

0  Thou  who  givest  to  all  their  work,  and  yet 
callest  them  to  lay  it  down  for  rest  or  for  some  new 
duty  of  patience  in  suffering  or  ministry  to  others, 
remember  the  needs  of  the  workers  of  thy  world. 
Provide  refreshment,  even  in  days  of  toil  that  are 
unrelieved  and  in  ceaseless  care  for  others.  Make 
sleep  full  of  peace  and  a  flowing  in  of  strength; 
and  the  coming  of  the  day  of  our  Lord  a  reminder  of 
the  rest  which  he  has  promised  under  the  yoke. 
Teach  us  to  be  just  and  patient  and  considerate  in 
all  we  have  to  do  with  others.  And  make  our 
work  and  patience  effective  in  thy  purpose  for  the 
good  of  the  world  and  the  coming  of  thy  kingdom. 
Amen, 

May  11  —  The  Beauty  of  Holiness 

Put  on  therefore,  as  God's  elect,  holy  and  beloved, 
a  heart  of  compassion,  kindness,  lowliness,  meekness, 
longsuffering ;  forbearing  one  another,  and  forgiving 
each  other,  if  any  man  have  a  complaint  against  any; 
even  as  the  Lord  forgave  you,  so  also  do  ye:  and  above 
all  these  things  put  on  love,  which  is  the  bond  of 
perfectness.  —  Col.  3  :  12. 

Open  our  eyes,  0  Lord,  to  see  the  beauty  of  holi- 
ness and  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin.  Keep  us 
from  deceitfulness  of  wicked  thoughts  and  all  cruel- 
ties of  unkind  words  and  selfish  deeds.  Deliver  us 
from  all  hardening  of  the  heart  and  servitude  to 
evil  habits;  that  we  may  give  a  ready  hearing  to  the 
teachings  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  If  we  have  had  any 
share   in   the   wrongs   that   enslave   and   embitter 


104     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

men's  hearts,  enable  us  to  repent  and  turn  away, 
seeking  to  be  just  and  faithful,  following  thy  law  of 
kindness  and  loving  our  neighbor  as  ourself .  Bring 
in,  0  Lord;  thy  kingdom  of  righteousness  and  peace 
when  good  men  shall  be  strong  and  evil  deeds  shall 
no  more  stain  the  earth  with  blood  and  tears. 
Forgive  us  our  transgressions,  for  Christ's  sake,  and 
make  us  thy  faithful  children  in  purity  of  heart  and 
love.     Amen. 

May  12  —  Uneventful  Days 

And  let  us  not  be  weary  in  well-doing:  for  in  due 
season  we  shall  reap,  if  we  faint  not.  So  then,  while 
we  have  opportunity,  let  us  work  that  which  is  good 
toward  all  men,  and  especially  toward  them  that  are  of 
the  household  of  faith.  — Gal.  6  :  9. 

Lord,  we  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  not  despised 
our  weakness,  nor  poured  contempt,  as  the  profane 
and  heartless  do,  upon  the  unnoticed  thoughts  and 
works  in  which  we  spend  our  lives.  We  bless  thee 
for  our  loving  and  exalted  Christ,  who  served  com- 
mon needs  by  daily  toil,  earning  his  bread  in  all 
simplicity  and  faithfulness.  We  thank  thee  that  he 
took  familiar  things  of  meat  and  drink  for  symbols 
of  the  life  he  brought  to  men.  Help  us  not  to  belittle 
the  materials  or  the  tools  with  which  we  work,  but 
to  find  thy  presence  everywhere.  As  thou  hast  ac- 
cepted our  devotion,  abide  with  us  by  night  and 
day.  Enliven  our  drudgery  by  rest  of  heart  in 
thee.  Let  the  monotony  of  uneventful  days  be 
made  joyful  through  love  and  hope;  that  in  the  light 
of  our  cheerful  hours  men  may  find  some  glimpses 
of  the  glory  of  our  Lord.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     105 

May  13  —  Against  Covetousness 

And  he  said  unto  them,  Take  heed  and  keep  your- 
selves from  all  covetousness:  for  even  in  a  man^s  abun- 
dance his  life  is  not  from  the  things  which  he  pos- 
sesseth. — Luke  12  :  15. 

0  Thou,  true  wealth  of  our  souls,  from  whom  com- 
eth  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  keep  us,  we  pray 
thee,  from  the  love  of  money  and  all  the  fruits  of 
covetousness.  We  thank  thee  for  supplies  in  time 
of  need  and  for  thy  presence  which  has  given  them 
their  deepest  thought  of  joy.  Provide  things  needful 
for  us  —  daily  bread,  the  health  sufficient  for  our 
appointed  tasks,  peace  of  heart  in  resting  time,  the 
joy  of  friendship,  food  for  thought,  and  thine  own 
beauty  all  along  the  way.  These  be  our  wealth! 
thy  gifts  reminding  us  of  thy  great  gift  of  Jesus 
Christ  and  thy  provision  for  the  life  that  is  to  be. 
Bind  not  our  thoughts  through  our  own  selfishness 
to  earth,  but  make  us  thy  stewards  here  for  blessing 
to  our  fellows.  In  the  name  of  Christ,  who  gave  his 
life  a  ransom  for  us  all.     Amen. 

May  14  —  Going  Forward 

He  leadeth  me  in  the  paths  of  righteousness  for  his 
7iame's  sake.  Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of 
the  shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil:  for  thou  art 
with  me;  thy  rod  and  thy  staff  they  comfort  me. — 
Psakn  23  : 3. 

Blessed  be  thou,  our  Father,  who  hast  set  the 
promise  of  thy  changeless  love  amid  the  changes  of 
our  mortal  years  and  hast  made  us  heirs  with  Christ 
of  the  eternal  hope!     We  glory  in  the  manifested 


106     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

progress  of  thy  kingdom.  We  bless  thee  for  new 
opportunity  and  pledge  of  growth.  May  each  day's 
experience  bring  us  forward  in  the  path  by  which 
thy  Holy  Spirit  guides  our  feet.  With  true  repent- 
ance and  assurance  of  thy  pardon  and  thy  help, 
teach  us  to  face  the  problems  of  the  future  with 
cheerful  and  obedient  hearts.  Let  all  experience 
and  trial  work  together  for  our  good,  make  us 
sharers  of  thy  work,  and  rid  us  of  all  forebodings, 
that  we  may  have  more  joy  in  service  as  we  draw 
nearer  home.  And  these  great  gifts  we  ask  in  the 
name  of  Christ  whose  kingdom  is  to  come,  for  thy 
glory  and  the  end  of  evil  days.     Amen. 

May  15  —  The  Bounty  of  the  Earth 

I  will  he  as  the  dew  unto  Israel;  he  shall  blossom  as 
the  lily,  and  cast  forth  his  roots  as  Lebanon.  .  .  .  They 
that  dwell  under  his  shadoiv  shall  return;  they  shall 
revive  as  the  corn,  and  blossom  as  the  vine. —  Hos. 
14  : 5. 

We  bless  thee,  0  God,  for  the  beauty  of  the  earth. 
May  its  delight  of  blossom  and  its  promise  of  fruit- 
bearing  lead  our  hearts  in  gratitude  to  thee.  We 
thank  thee  that  its  throbbing  life  that  climbs  in 
every  vein  and  spreads  abroad  in  leaf  and  flower, 
its  joy  of  the  bird's  song  and  the  lamb's  frisking  and 
the  herd's  content,  come  of  thy  bounty.  Help  us  to 
leave  behind  us  every  wintry  doubt  and  fear  and 
discontent,  and,  welcoming  the  life  thy  Spirit  brings, 
to  grow  in  Christ's  likeness,  as  the  trees  grow  each 
in  the  likeness  of  its  own  kind.  We  praise  thee  that 
we  are  thy  children  by  thine  own  choice  of  father- 
hood.   Give  us  a  child's  joy  that  we  may  enter  in  to 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     107 

thy  content  with  the  works  which  thou  hast  made. 
Prepare  our  hearts  for  fruit-bearing  and  may  thy 
Ufe  within  us  grow  ever  strong  and  pure,  rich  with 
all  hope,  ready  for  every  needed  sacrifice,  overflow- 
ing with  thy  peace  through  years  of  earth  and  all 
the  glorious  ages  of  the  eternal  life  with  thee. 
Through  every  gift  that  speaks  to  sense,  fragrance 
and  beauty  and  music,  kindle  our  hearts  to  anticipa- 
tion of  that  home  where  thy  presence  shall  be  the 
secret  of  delight.  Through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

May  16  —  The  Listening  Heart 

Let,  I  pray  thee,  thy  lovingkindness  he  for  my  com- 
fort, according  to  thy  word  unto  thy  servant.  Let  thy 
tender  mercies  come  unto  me,  that  I  may  live;  for  thy 
law  is  my  delight.  Let  the  proud  be  put  to  shame  .  .  . 
but  I  will  meditate  on  thy  precepts. —  Psalm  119  :  76. 

Speak  to  me,  0  my  Father,  in  the  silence  of  my 
heart,  that  I  may  understand  thy  will.  Teach  me  to 
listen  for  thy  voice  in  the  reproof  of  conscience  and 
the  warnings  of  experience.  Let  me  not  err  by  rea- 
son of  self-will  nor  choose  the  path  of  fools,  when 
thy  way  is  made  plain  before  my  eyes.  Spirit  of  the 
Living  God,  instruct  and  purify  my  conscience  that 
it  may  become  the  fitting  mouthpiece  of  thy  holy 
thought  of  what  my  life  may  be.  Let  it  speak  for 
thee,  0  God,  claiming  thy  right  amid  the  clamorous 
voices  of  desire.  Let  it  demand  justice  toward  men 
and  lovingkindness,  patience  and  hope.  Help  me 
to  choose  high  ideals  of  purity  and  service,  and  make 
the  heaven  of  thine  own  presence  my  ambition  and 
desire.    Amen. 


108     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

May  17  —  Christ  at  the  Door 

Behold,  I  stand  at  the  door  and  kiiock:  if  any  man 
hear  my  voice  and  open  the  door,  I  will  come  in  to  him^ 
and  will  sup  with  him,  and  he  with  me. —  Rev.  3  :  20. 

Who  am  I,  Lord,  that  I  should  keep  thee  waiting 
at  my  door!  Giver  of  joy  and  power,  enter  and  rule 
and  bring  me  present  peace  and  hope  of  better  days, 
and  strengthen  me  for  overcoming.  Forgive  the 
folly  which  has  kept  thee  from  thy  chosen  home. 
Oh,  cleanse  and  help  me,  that  I  may  make  room 
enough  and  honor  thee  by  purity  of  heart  and  love 
of  God  and  man.  Dispose  of  all  my  thoughts,  my 
time,  my  pleasures  and  my  studies  as  thou  wilt,  0 
Friend  and  Guest.  Help  me  to  serve  thee  upon 
earth  with  the  full  purpose  of  my  will  and  the  deep 
current  of  my  love.  Enlarge  the  dwelling  which 
thou  hast  chosen  for  thyself,  that  there  may  be  room 
enough  for  all  thy  purposes.  And  set  a  guard  at  the 
doors,  lest  any  evil  enter  and  disturb  thy  stay. 
Amen. 

May  18  —  The  Sunlight  of  God's  Presence 

Every  good  gift  and  every  perfect  gift  is  from  above, 
coming  down  from  the  Father  of  lights,  with  whom  can 
be  710  variatio7i,  neither  shadow  that  is  cast  by  turning. 
—  James  1  :  17. 

Thou  Source  of  all  our  joys,  our  Father  and  our 
Strength,  we  would  walk  ever  in  the  sunlight  of  thy 
presence.  Give  as  thou  wilt  of  the  bounty  of  the 
world,  but  keep  us  from  heart's  dependence  upon 
outward  things.  Teach  us  to  find  the  best  wherever 
thou  shalt  call,  to  love  thy  work  in  earth's  beauty 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     109 

and  the  gracious  lives  of  men,  to  be  happy  with  a 
child's  simplicity  in  little  glad  experiences.  Not 
blindly  would  we  go  along  the  path  of  trials,  not 
without  feeling  for  the  griefs  of  others,  but  give  an 
overcoming  joy  that  seeks  to  aid  and  looks  to  thee 
for  courage  to  endure  and  yet  rejoices.  So  may 
heaven's  peace  begin  with  the  victorious  cheerful- 
ness of  earth.  Shine  thou  on  ordinary  days  and 
commonplace  experiences,  that  they  may  be  trans- 
formed and  glorified.  Teach  us  to  sing  for  joy  of 
heart  and  give  us  a  great  companionship  of  song. 
In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


May  19  —  In  Earth's  Companionships 

He  that  saith  he  is  in  the  light  and  hateth  his  brother, 
is  in  the  darkness  even  until  now.  He  that  loveth  his 
brother,  abideth  in  the  light  and  there  is  no  occasion  of 
stumbling  in  him. —  1  John  2:9. 

We  thank  thee,  0  Lord,  that  thou  art  never  far 
away,  but  ever  ready  to  be  found  of  those  who  seek 
thee.  Help  us  to  desire,  and  desiring  to  search  for 
thee  with  all  our  hearts  not  merely  in  consecrated 
places  or  hallowed  words,  but  in  fellowship  with 
others  and  our  own  experience  of  work  and  rest,  of 
pleasure  and  of  pain.  0  thou  who  dwellest  with 
men  and  art  lovingly  concerned  with  the  needs  and 
companionships  of  common  life,  let  us  not  miss  thee 
by  dwelling  aloof  or  despising  others.  For  of  thee 
alone  is  this  hunger  of  heart  which  thou  alone  canst 
satisfy;  and  we  would  be  well  assured  that  thou- 
desirest  to  speak  through  us  to  other  men.  Give  us 
this  divine  fellowship  of  service,  that  in  finding  thee 


no     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

we  may  grow  like  thee.  And  may  the  desire  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  be  fulfilled  in  our  Christlike  living  hour 
by  hour.     Amen. 

May  20  —  God's  Glory  in  the  Earth 

0  Lord,  how  inanijold  are  thy  ivorks!  hi  wisdom 
hast  thou  7nade  thern  all:  the  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches. 
.  .  .  Let  the  glory  of  the  Lord  endure  forever;  let  the 
Lord  rejoice  in  his  works. —  Psalm  IO4  :  24- 

0  Thou,  who  hast  made  the  earth  so  fair  and 
shaped  our  eyes  that  we  might  see  its  beauty  and 
our  ears  that  we  might  hear  its  melody,  we  thank 
thee  for  the  gift  of  life  and  for  thy  presence  that  is 
life's  abiding  happiness  and  hope.  Fix  our  hearts  on 
heavenly  things;  but  let  us  not  despise  the  earth 
which  thou  hast  made  our  dwelling  place.  In 
thy  love  let  it  be  to  us  the  house  of  God,  the  very 
gate  of  heaven.  Let  thy  holy  will  be  done  in  us  from 
day  to  day.  Help  us  to  be  patient  in  life's  trials, 
strong  in  its  temptations,  immovable  in  faith  and 
courage,  ever  looking  for  the  tokens  of  thy  presence 
and  the  hope  of  thine  appearing.  Be  thou  not  far 
off,  but  near,  0  thou  our  spirit's  Life  and  Joy! 
Through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

May  21  —  The  Training  of  God's  School 

Good  and  upright  is  the  Lord:  therefore  will  he  in- 
struct sinners  in  the  way.  The  meek  will  he  guide  in 
justice;  and  the  meek  will  he  teach  his  ivay. —  Ps. 

25  : 8. 

We  thank  thee,  Lord,  that  thou  hast  planned  to 
train  us  in  thy  school.     Give  us  good  courage  and 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     111 

endurance  for  all  the  trials  and  experiences  our  years 
may  bring.  Let  neither  fear  nor  trouble  overwhelm 
our  faith.  Give  us  patience  like  thine  own  and  lov- 
ing thoughts  of  others.  May  every  trying  day  be 
met  by  new  strength  and  each  surprise  of  disap- 
pointment by  fresh  thoughts  of  thy  love.  Give  us 
clear  and  steady  eyes  to  see  beyond  our  troubles  the 
shining  of  thy  eternal  light 'and  joy.  Keep  us  from 
all  weakness  of  despondency  and  arm  us  with  the 
cheerful  air  of  strength.  And  let  us  share  thy  tri- 
umph in  the  end.    In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


May  22  —  The  Land  of  Heart's  Desire 

There  is  one  body  and  one  Spirit,  even  as  also  ye 
were  called  in  one  hope  of  your  calling;  one  Lord,  one 
faith,  one  baptism,  one  God  and  Father  of  all,  ivho  is 
over  all,  and  through  all  and  in  all. —  Eph.  4  '  4- 

Thou  light  and  life  of  every  heart,  helper  of  men 
and  joy  of  even  shadowed  days,  wdth  simple  faith 
and  love  we  open  our  hearts  to  thy  coming  and  pray 
thee  to  abide  with  us  and  make  us  worthy  of  thy 
presence  and  thy  power.  Cast  out  all  thoughts  of 
evil  and  bring  us  by  thy  Spirit's  teaching  ever  new 
and  J03^ul  thoughts  of  good.  By  thy  presence  bring 
us  into  closer  brotherhood  with  thy  saints  in  heaven 
and  earth.  Enlarge  our  sympathies  until  we  love 
all  that  thou  lovest.  Make  clear  our  vision,  that  we 
may  learn  to  choose  and  distinguish  between  good 
and  evil,  between  the  better  and  the  best.  And 
may  the  hope  thou  bringest  shine  like  the  clearness  of 
the  dawn  with  promise  of  thy  perfect  day.  In  the 
name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


112     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

May  23  —  Intercession  for  Friends 

A  friend  loveth  at  all  times;  and  a  brother  is  born 
for  adversity. —  Prov.  17  :  17. 

This  is  my  commandment,  That  ye  love  one  another, 
as  I  have  loved  you.  — John  15  :  12. 

We  thank  thee,  Lord,  for  thy  friendship  wiser  than 
our  own,  thy  deeper  love,  thy  power  that  reaches 
where  our  weakness  fails.  Into  thy  hands  we  have 
committed  ourselves  through  Jesus  Christ  who  loves 
us;  help  us  also  to  commit  to  thee  our  friends  in  full 
assurance  of  thy  love  and  care.  Give  them  what  we 
fain  would  give  and  more  than  we  know  how  to  ask. 
Give  in  thine  own  time  and  way,  nor  let  us  chafe 
and  fret  if  thy  gifts  for  the  moment  appear  small 
and  grudging  to  our  blind  eyes  and  feeble  faith. 
Help  us  to  endure  this  final  test  of  love  that  trusts 
thee  with  what  is  dearer  than  ourselves.  And 
though  they  suffer  and  we  suffer  with  them,  may 
our  hearts  beneath  the  suffering  be  at  peace  because 
we  know  and  trust  thy  love.  For  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ,  our  Elder  Brother  and  our  everlasting 
Friend.     Amen. 

May  24  —  Our  Father's  Love 

Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him,  If  a  man  love 
me,  he  will  keep  my  word:  and  my  Father  will  love  him, 
arid  we  will  co7ne  unto  him  and  make  our  abode  with 
hifn.  — John  14  :  23. 

Thou,  Lord,  who  art  ever  the  Father  of  all  the 
children  of  men,  seeking  their  good  and  desiring  to 
have  them  enter  into  their  inheritance  of  filial  love 
and  quiet  faith,  enable  us  to  learn  the  meaning  of 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     113 

this  fatherly  love  of  thine  by  the  experiences  of 
brotherly  consideration  and  kindness.  Help  us 
to  love  our  neighbor  as  ourself,  ministering  to  others 
as  thou  givest  opportunity,  not  for  self-praise,  but 
because  thy  love  must  overflow  through  us  to 
serve  our  brothers.  Keep  us  from  the  pride  that 
scorns  the  least  of  all  thj^  children,  from  the  folly  of 
isolation,  the  madness  of  hate.  Reveal  thyself 
to  us  through  thy  trust  in  man  as  well  as  by  the 
glory  of  the  love  of  Jesus,  who  gave  himself  to  death 
that  we  might  live  in  him.  Overcome  our  social 
follies  and  injustices  and  give  us  a  heart  to  do  to 
others  as  we  would  that  they  should  do  to  us.  And 
let  thy  will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  done  in  heaven. 
In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


May  25  —  The  Portion  of  Life's  Gifts 

Consider  the  lilies  of  the  field,  how  they  grow;  they 
toil  not,  neither  do  they  spin;  yet  I  say  unto  you,  that 
even  Solomon  in  all  his  glory  was  not  arrayed  like 
one  of  these.  But  if  God  doth  so  clothe  the  grass  of  the 
field,  which  today  is,  and  tomorrow  is  cast  into  the 
oven,  shall  he  not  much  more  clothe  you,  0  ye  of  little 
faith? —  Matt.  6  :  28. 

0  Thou  who  art  more  wonderful  than  all  thy  works 
and  than  all  the  arts  of  man,  help  us  to  learn  the 
true  proportion  of  value  in  life's  gifts  and,  by  thy 
help,  to  lay  hold  on  the  eternal  treasures.  So  may 
our  hearts  be  cleared  of  vanities  and  follies  that 
we  may  serve  thee  in  thy  kingdom  with  faithful 
love  in  word  and  deed.  Help  us  to  distinguish 
between  the  important  and  the  unimportant  mat- 


114     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

ters  of  our  faith  and  life,  to  be  indifferent  toward  the 
trifling  things  about  which  other  men  disturb  them- 
selves and  to  give  our  full  and  heartfelt  attention 
to  the  greater  things  of  life  and  faith,  so  enlarging 
brotherhood  with  men  and  guarding  our  souls  from 
fear  and  anger.  0  Thou  who  hast  planted  a  root  of 
kindness  in  our  hearts,  nourish  and  make  it  grow 
by  the  continual  tendance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  In 
the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


May  26  —  God  our  Rest 

Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my  souU  And  why 
art  thou  disquieted  within  rne?  Hoye  thou  in  God; 
for  I  shall  yet  praise  him,  who  is  the  help  of  my 
countenance  and  my  God.  —  Psalm  42  :  11. 

To  Thee,  0  Lord,  we  turn  from  the  restlessness 
of  earth  and  the  often  weary  days;  for  thou  hast 
called  us  and  in  thee  we  find  our  rest.  0  Thou, 
true  home  of  souls  which  thou  thyself  hast  made,  we 
bless  thee  for  the  refuge  of  thy  might,  the  welcome 
of  thy  love,  the  peace  which  fills  our  restless  hearts 
when  we  confide  in  thee.  Thou  Friend  of  all  and 
Father  of  our  Elder  Brother,  Jesus  Christ,  through 
thy  lovingkindness  make  us  strong  in  faith  and 
clear  in  hope.  Hasten,  we  pray  thee,  the  coming  of 
thy  kingdom  and  the  universal  honor  of  thy  name. 
0  Thou,  most  patient!  so  uphold  and  strengthen  us 
that  we  may  do  thy  will  and  look  for  the  fulfilment 
of  thy  purpose  with  undaunted  hope.  In  thee 
abiding,  may  thy  joy  have  room  and  way,  that  we 
may  bear  true  witness  to  the  gladness  of  our  life 
with  thee.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     115 

May  27  —  Life  that  Endures 

For  noiv  ive  see  in  a  mirror,  darkly;  hut  then  face 
to  face:  now  I  know  in  part;  but  then  shall  I  know 
fully  even  as  also  I  am  known.  But  now  abideth 
faith,  hope,  love,  these  three;  and  the  greatest  of 
these  is  love.  —  1  Cor.  13  :  12. 

We  thank  thee,  our  Father,  that  thou  hast  called 
us  to  be  sharers  in  the  enduring  life  with  Clirist. 
Help  us  to  use  gifts  and  delights  of  earth  as  those  who 
are  not  dependent  on  them,  having  a  deeper  source 
of  joy  in  thy  presence  and  the  work  thou  hast  given 
us  to  do.  Teach  us  the  worth,  and  worthlessness, 
of  all  that  passes  with  this  life  of  earth.  When 
thou  shakest  the  foundations  of  man's  security, 
may  our  hearts  remain  at  rest  in  thee.  We  thank 
thee  for  the  things  that  remain  —  for  love  that  out- 
lives the  world's  overturnings;  for  the  fellowship  of 
believers;  for  work  on  which  thou  hast  set  the  seal 
of  thine  approval;  for  the  life  that  is  hid  with  Christ 
in  thee.  Assure  our  faith  and  rid  us  of  the  fear  of 
death  and  change,  through  Christ  who  has  revealed 
thee  to  our  longing  and  expectant  hearts.     Amen. 

May  28  —  For  the  Home 

And  of  which  of  you  that  is  a  father  shall  his  son  ask 
a  loaf,  and  he  give  him  a  stone?  .  .  .  If  ye  then,  being 
evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts  unto  your  children, 
how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  himf  — Luke  11  :  11. 

Thou  Father  of  our  spirits,  who  hast  given  us  the 
joys  of  home,  make  one  with  us,  we  pray  thee,  in 
our  life  from  day  to  daj''.     Let  reverence  and  love 


116     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

abide  and  childlike  faith  keep  our  hearts  at  rest  in 
thee.  May  we  show  honor  and  kindness,  looking 
each  one  on  the  needs  of  others  as  well  as  on  our 
own  desires.  Where  we  touch  the  world  without, 
may  the  light  of  our  home  peace  and  joy  be  seen. 
When  we  go  forth,  help  us  to  remember  that  all  the 
earth  is  thy  house  and  all  men  our  brothers  of  the 
glorious  life.  When  we  return,  enable  us  to  leave 
cares  and  perplexities  behind  us.  Quicken  our 
affections  that  they  may  grow  like  thy  infinite, 
patient  and  unfailing  love.  Deepen  our  experience 
that  we  may  bring  richer  treasures  to  the  common- 
wealth of  home.  Lighten  all  burdens  of  our  work 
by  remembrance  of  thy  sympathy.  Sustain  us  in 
weakness,  and  comfort  our  hearts  in  the  inevitable 
griefs  of  earth.  So  make  us  true  and  loving  follow- 
ers of  our  Lord  Jesus  and  heirs  with  him  of  the 
eternal  home.     Amen. 

May  29  —  The  Place  of  Quietude 

Lord,  lift  thou  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon 
us.  Thou  hast  put  gladness  in  my  heart  .  .  .  in 
peace  will  I  both  lay  me  down  and  sleep;  for  thou,  0 
Lord,  alone  makest  me  dwell  in  safety.  —  Ps.  4  •'  6. 

0  God,  our  satisfaction  and  our  home,  to  thee  we 
run  for  strength  when  the  powers  of  the  ever-present 
world  are  upon  us  and  our  hearts  weary  and  grow 
faint.  Teach  us  so  to  live  in  the  remembrance  of 
thy  presence  that  all  the  troubled  world  shall  be 
overshadowed  by  the  beauty  of  th}^  holiness.  Give 
us  hours  of  dear  and  intimate  communion,  when  we 
may  rest  our  souls  on  thee  and  be  at  peace.  From 
the  tumult  of  the  street  and  the  legioned  hosts  of 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     117 

crowding  thoughts  and  fears  we  turn  to  thy  place  of 
quietude  in  our  own  hearts  to  find  ourselves  at 
home.  Fulfil  our  hopes  in  thine  own  time,  accord- 
ing to  thy  word.  Let  thoughts  of  thy  merciful 
kindness  begin  our  day.  Remember  us  when  in  the 
multitude  of  our  occupations  we  are  tempted  to 
forget  thee.  Grant  us  thy  peace  at  eventide. 
Show  us  deeper  meanings  in  thy  word.  Give  broader 
vision  and  make  us  more  helpful  for  thy  work  with 
men.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

May  30  —  Memorial  Day 

What  great  nation  is  there,  that  hath  a  god  so  nigh 
unto  them,  as  the  Lord  our  God  is  whensoever  ive  call 
upon  hinif  And  what  great  nation  is  there  that  hath 
statutes  and  judgments  so  righteous  as  all  this  law 
which  I  set  before  you  this  day?  Only  take  heed  to 
thyself,  and  keep  thy  soul  diligently,  lest  thou  forget 
the  things  which  thine  eyes  saw,  and  lest  they  depart 
from  thy  heart  all  the  days  of  thy  life;  hut  make  them 
known  unto  thy  children  and  thy  children's  children. — 
Deut.  4  : 7. 

0  God  of  all  the  nations  of  the  earth,  who  hast 
planted  in  our  hearts  the  love  of  our  own  land,  hear 
our  petitions  for  her  righteousness  and  strength. 
We  come  to  thee  in  grateful  remembrance  of  those 
who  have  served  her  need  in  times  of  trial,  and 
especially  of  those  who  gave  their  lives  to  guard  and 
save.  May  the  example  of  their  heroic  courage  and 
endurance  animate  our  souls  in  each  new  call  to 
service.  Help  us  with  like  devotion  to  hold  our- 
selves prepared  to  do  our  part  in  working  or  in 
giving  for  the  common  good.     Give  strength  and 


118     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

confidence  to  our  soldiers  and  sailors,  remember  all 
helpers  of  the  wounded  or  the  suffering,  all  who  work 
for  the  nation's  need  on  land  or  sea.  Give  wisdom 
to  our  counsellors,  skill  to  our  leaders,  and  so  over- 
rule in  the  affairs  of  this  troubled  world  that  he 
whose  right  it  is  may  reign  in  the  hearts  and  lives  of 
the  obedient  peoples.  And  to  thee,  0  Lord  of 
Hosts,  Giver  of  good,  and  Judge  of  all  the  earth,  who 
hast  planted  and  sustained  us,  and  hast  raised  up 
help  in  every  time  of  trouble,  be  praise  and  honor 
evermore!    Amen. 

May  31  —  For  God's  Harvesters 

Then  saith  he  unto  his  disciples,  The  harvest  truly 
is  plenteous,  but  the  laborers  are  feiv.  Pray  ye 
therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  that  he  send  forth 
laborers  into  his  harvest.  —  Matt.  9  :  37. 

0  God,  our  Father,  whose  are  all  souls  of  men 
upon  the  earth  and  who  hast  revealed  to  us  thy  love 
in  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord,  send  forth, 
we  beseech  thee,  laborers  into  the  fields  that  ripen 
for  the  harvest.  Send  by  whom  thou  wilt  send, 
but  leave  not  those  who  need  and  those  who  long 
for  thee  in  ignorance  and  fear.  Engage  our  hearts 
and  wills  in  this  endeavor  and  make  us  sharers  of 
thy  work  and  joy.  May  we  never  fail  thee  through 
sloth  or  covetousness,  but  enable  us  to  do  that  part 
of  the  work  to  which  thou  hast  called  us.  Bless 
thou  and  keep  thy  workers  everywhere  in  joyful 
faith  and  expectation  of  the  coming  of  thy  kingdom. 
Uphold  them  in  trials  as  thou  didst  thy  servants  of 
old.  Pour  out  upon  them  a  full  measure  of  thy 
power  and  let  not  thy  word  which  they  have  spoken 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS      119 

return  unto  thee  void.     In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

June  1  —  Along  the  Pilgrim  Way 

I  will  make  mention  of  the  lovingkindness  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  praises  of  the  Lord,  according  to  all  that 
the  Lord  hath  bestowed  on  us,  and  the  great  goodness 
toward  the  house  of  Israel,  which  he  hath  bestowed  on 
them  according  to  his  mercies,  and  according  to  the 
multitude  of  his  lovingkindnesses.  —  Is.  63  :  7. 

Thou  Giver  of  life  and  enricher  of  all  experience, 
we  thank  thee  from  full  hearts  for  the  blessings 
thou  hast  scattered  all  along  our  pilgrim  way. 
As  the  goal  is  thine,  so  let  every  step  of  progress 
know  the  joy  of  thy  provision  and  companionship. 
We  thank  thee  that  yesterday  and  tomorrow  are  in 
thy  keeping;  help  us  to  make  a  wise  and  cheerful 
use  of  opportunities  today.  We  bless  thee  for  thy 
continual  remembrance,  not  only  of  our  necessities, 
but  also  of  our  comforts  and  delights.  Keep  us 
from  postponements  which  impoverish  the  soul  and 
from  despising  little  things  of  which  our  life  is  made. 
Teach  us  to  seek  thy  deeper  meaning  in  them.  Feed 
our  souls,  even  from  common  tables,  with  the  bread 
of  God.  And  may  thy  will  be  done  in  us  in  every- 
day faith  and  obedience,  to  the  honor  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

June  2  —  The  Highest  Good 

It  is  of  the  Lord's  lovingkindnesses  that  we  are  not 
co7isumed,  because  his  compassions  fail  not.  They 
are  new  every  morning:    great  is  thy  faithfxdness. 


120     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

The  Lord  is  my  'portion,  saith  my  soul;  therefore  will  I 
hope  in  him.  — Lam.  3  :  22. 

0  Thou  who  art  for  all  the  best  life  has  to  offer, 
since  thou  offerest  thyself  to  all  as  Father  and  as 
friend,  let  no  weakness  of  desire  for  lesser  good  keep 
us  from  taking  thee  as  our  soul's  true  hope  and 
portion.  Come,  dwell  in  us,  by  thy  Holy  Spirit; 
according  to  the  promise  of  our  Saviour,  Jesus 
Christ.  Reniake  our  thoughts  and  lives  according 
to  thy  wisdom  and  thy  mercy  toward  us.  Let  thy 
presence  and  thy  glory  transform  all  we  have  and 
seek,  that  we  may  see  it  in  true  proportion,  with  a 
just  sense  of  thy  lovingkindness  toward  us  and  a 
pure  desire  to  be  helpful  to  our  brothers  and  to 
grow  like  thee  in  joy  and  love.  And  this  we  ask  in 
the  name  of  thy  Son,  who  gave  himself  that  we 
might  know  and  serve  thee  evermore  with  joy  and 
gladness.    Amen. 


June  3  —  God*s  Witness  in  the  Earth 

And  the  Lord  God  planted  a  garden  .  .  .  and  there 
he  put  the  man  whom  he  had  formed.  And  out  of 
the  ground  made  the  Lord  God  to  grow  every  tree  that 
is  pleasant  to  the  sight,  and  good  for  food.  .  .  .  And  a 
river  went  out  of  Eden  to  water  the  garden.  .  .  .  And 
they  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  God  walking  in  the 
garden.  — Gen.  2  :  8. 

Most  Holy  and  Ever-Blessed  Father,  may  the 
wonder  of  the  earth  which  thou  hast  made  our 
dwelling-place  speak  to  our  hearts  in  witness  of 
thy  beauty  and  thy  love.  Let  springing  grass 
and  opening  flowers  remind  us  of  the  new  life  which 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     121 

is  ours  through  the  resurrection  of  our  Lord  and 
Sa\dour  Jesus  Christ.  Let  the  heavens  declare  thy 
glory.  By  thee  all  the  trees  of  the  wood  grow  to 
their  strength  and  the  flowers  of  the  field  perfect 
their  beauty.  Let  us  share  thy  pleasure  in  the  song 
of  birds,  the  murmur  of  waters  that  lie  as  in  the 
hollow  of  thy  hand;  the  children's  laughter  and 
the  song  of  happy  hearts.  Interpret  for  us  all  this 
joyful  life,  and  all  the  storms  and  desolations  of  the 
earth,  as  parts  of  one  great  plan  wherein  thou  work- 
est  righteousness.  Attune  our  hearts  to  notes  of 
praise  and  make  us  glad  upon  the  earth  until  thou 
bringest  us  to  perfect  and  unshadowed  joy  where  we 
shall  see  thee  without  sin  or  care.     Amen. 


June  4  —  Growing  in  God's  Kingdom 

Ye  therefore,  beloved,  knoiving  these  things  before- 
hand, beware  lest  .  .  .  ye  fall  from  your  own  stead- 
fastness. But  grow  in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  To  him  be  glory 
both  now  and  forever.  —  2  Pet.  3  :  17. 

We  thank  thee,  Father,  for  our  Lord's  parable 
which  teaches  us  that  the  progress  of  thy  kingdom  is 
like  the  springing  of  the  seed  and  the  growth  of  the 
tree.  So  bring  our  hearts  to  know  that  it  is  ours 
to  prepare  for  enlargement  in  faith  and  loyalty,  by 
work  and  prayer,  while  thou  bringest  our  life  to  its 
harvest.  Help  us  to  do  our  part  in  freedom  from 
all  anxiety,  but  in  watchfulness  against  the  power  of 
temptation  and  the  hurt  of  inattention,  looking  for 
the  increase  thou  hast  appointed  us  when  the  reaping 
time  is  come.     In  the  enlargement  of  our  hearts 


122     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

through  earth's  experience  add  grace  upon  grace  and 
strength  to  strength  all  the  days  of  our  pilgrimage. 
And  forgive  our  failures  for  the  sake  of  Christ  who 
gave  himself  for  us.     Amen. 

June  5  —  Individuality 

0  Lord,  thou  hast  searched  me  and  know7i  me,  thou 
knowest  my  downsitting  and  mine  uprising,  thou 
understandest  my  thought  afar  off.  .  .  .  For  there  is 
not  a  word  in  my  tongue,  but  lo,  0  Lord,  thou  knowest 
it  altogether.  —  Psalm  139  : 1. 

Almighty  and  All-seeing  God,  who  hast  given  to 
every  man  his  different  life,  yet  holdest  thyself  near 
to  all  in  mercy  and  in  love,  so  teach  me  to  use  earth's 
gifts  that  I  may  fulfil  thy  thought  of  my  true 
growth  and  work.  Keep  me  from  wasting  strength 
in  vain  desires,  or  turning  from  my  own  appointed 
way  to  follow  fashions  other  men  have  set.  Let 
me  not  be  envious  of  gifts  thou  hast  denied,  nor  let 
me  seek  my  happiness  in  work  to  which  I  have  no 
call.  Satisfy  my  heart  with  thy  presence,  make  me 
glad  in  the  work  thou  givest.  Let  me  serve  my 
brothers  and  look  for  the  kingdom  of  thy  Son. 
And  to  thy  name  be  praise  for  life  with  all  its  powers 
and  joys,  for  thy  love  that  constrains  thy  children, 
thy  rest  that  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God!  In 
the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

June  6  —  Assurance  through  Faith 

Stand  therefore,  haviyig  girded  your  loins  with 
truth,  and  having  put  on  the  breastplate  of  righteous- 
ness, and  having  shod  your  feet  ivith  the  preparation 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     123 

of  the  good  tidings  of  peace;  withal  taking  up  the 
shield  of  faith,  wherewith  ye  shall  he  able  to  quench 
all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  evil  one.  — Eph.  6  :  14- 

Thou,  who  by  gift  of  thine  own  life  hast  made  our 
Hfe  a  thing  of  worth,  Joy  of  good  days  and  Help  in 
all  times  of  grief  and  fear;  so  rule  in  our  too  often 
anxious  hearts  that  weakness  may  give  place  to 
strength  and  fear  of  death  may  have  no  more 
dominion  over  us.  To  thee,  O  Christ,  hath  the 
Father  given  power  to  rule  and  judge,  come  thou 
to  help  and  save.  Thou  hast  not  willed  our  freedom 
from  earth's  trials;  give  us,  therefore,  the  assurance 
of  a  childlike  faith  that  rests  and  labors  and  is  con- 
tent even  in  the  midst  of  sorrows  and  perplexities, 
and  the  forward  look  that  sees  thy  loving  purpose 
even  in  our  pain.  Be  thou  the  restorer  of  all 
losses,  the  teacher  of  all  good,  the  consoler  of  all 
troubled  hearts,  our  life's  true  pattern  and  the  glory 
of  our  strength.     Amen. 

June  7  —  As  a  Little  Child 

Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord;  for  this 
is  right.  .  .  .  And  ye  fathers,  provoke  not  your  chil- 
dren to  wrath:  hut  nurture  them  in  the  chastening  and 
admonition  of  the  Lord.  — Eph.  6:1. 

We  thank  thee.  Father,  for  the  love  and  care 
that  made  our  childhood  safe  and  joyful,  a  school  of 
wholesome  living  and  serviceable  powers.  We 
praise  thee  for  teaching  that  has  come  out  of  the 
lives  of  children,  for  their  affection,  direct  sim- 
plicity of  thought  and  their  forgiveness  of  our  im- 
patient ways  and  words.  With  joy  we  bring  thee 
our  thanksgivings  that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  came 


124     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGrVINGS 

as  a  child  and  learned  his  first  lessons  at  his  mother's 
knee.  May  his  infancy  be  our  teacher  and  his 
reverence  for  childhood  our  example.  In  thy  mercy 
suffer  us  not  to  put  a  stumbling-block  in  the  path 
of  any  of  thy  little  ones,  but  by  honest  and  good 
hearts  enable  us  to  lead  the  way  in  all  simplicity  of 
faith.  So  build  thy  kingdom,  Lord,  securely  in  the 
hearts  of  those  that  love  thee  and  let  our  earth  be 
still  thy  nursery  of  saints  and  heroes.  In  the  name 
of  Christ.     Amen. 

June  8  —  Charitable  Judgments 

So  then  each  of  us  shall  give  account  of  himself  to 
God.  Let  us  not  therefore  judge  one  another  any  more: 
but  judge  ye  this  rather,  that  no  man  put  a  stumbling- 
block  in  his  brother^ s  way,  or  an  occasion  of  falling.  — 
Rom.  14  :  12. 

0  God,  our  Efeavenly  Father,  who  hast  been  ever 
merciful  toward  us,  slow  to  judge  and  swift  to  spare, 
help  us  to  incline  toward  charity  in  all  thoughts 
about  our  fellow  men,  remembering  our  Lord's 
commandment  that  we  judge  not.  Teach  us  to 
estimate  aright  our  own  need  of  just  and  lenient 
dealings  with  our  poor  efforts  to  be  like  our  Lord  in 
truth  and  kindness.  Leave  us  not  to  ourselves  in 
the  hour  of  our  temptation,  but  enable  us  to  re- 
member that  we  are  all  members  one  of  another 
and  responsible  to  one  just  and  faithful  Lord,  who 
for  our  sakes  gave  his  only  begotten  Son  for  us 
sinners  that  we  might  live  through  him.  Make  us 
like  thyself  in  patience,  hoping  ever  for  the  triumph 
of  all  good  in  the  hearts  of  others  and  ready  to  wait 
for  every  sign  of  its  appearing.  And  this  we  ask  in 
the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     125 

June  9  —  The  Disappointed 

They  wandered  in  the  wilderness  in  a  solitary  way; 
they  found  no  city  to  dwell  in.  Hungry  and  thirsty, 
their  soul  fainted  in  them.  Then  they  cried  unto  the 
Lord  in  their  trouble,  and  he  delivered  them  out  of 
their  distresses.  And  he  led  them  forth  by  the  right 
way,  that  they  might  go  to  a  city  of  habitation.  — 
Psalm  107  : 4. 

Our  hearts  go  out  to  thee,  0  Lord,  for  those  who 
have  failed  to  find  their  true  place  in  the  world  and 
the  work  which  they  can  do  in  quietness  and  confi- 
dence of  heart.  Have  mercy  upon  them  and  deliver 
them.  Keep  them  in  the  hour  when  they  are  out  of 
hope  and  when  temptation  comes  upon  them.  And 
remember  the  dependent  ones  in  love,  0  Father,  as 
thy  children  in  earth's  need.  Teach  us,  as  becometh 
our  remembrance  of  thy  patient  a^nd  considerate 
love,  a  deeper  thoughtfulness  and  sympathy  with 
the  troubled  of  the  world.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

June  10  —  A  Joy  Above  Complaining 

And  ye  therefore  now  have  sorrow:  but  I  will  see 
you  again,  and  your  heart  shall  rejoice,  and  your  joy 
no  one  taketh  away  from  you.  .  .  .  Hitherto  ye  have 
asked  nothing  in  7ny  name:  ask  and  ye  shall  receive, 
that  your  joy  may  be  made  full.  —  John  16  :  22. 

0  Thou  who  hast  brought  hope  into  our  mortal  life 
by  the  assurance  of  our  Lord's  rising  again  as  the 
first-fruits  of  his  brethren,  help  us  to  be  more 
worthy  of  our  immortality.  Give  us  courage  for 
all  experiences,  and  suffer  us  not  to  be  so  tamely 


126     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

subject  to  the  vexations  of  these  passing  days. 
Spirit  of  God,  by  whom  we  live,  keep  us  ever  in  a 
joy  above  complainings.  Let  us  not  murmur  when 
the  way  is  hard,  but  rather  with  all  gratitude  re- 
member that  it  is  the  way  and  thou  our  Guide. 
Help  us  to  draw  from  deeper  wells,  that  we  may 
taste  refreshment  of  the  living  water.  Make  all  our 
days  thy  care  and  be  thou  in  all  our  confidence  an 
inward  peace.  Richly  hast  thou  endowed  us;  give 
us  grateful  and  expectant  hearts  to  find  thee  every- 
where. 0  Thou,  our  Rest!  let  no  disturbing  or  un- 
restful  word  find  outlet  through  the  door  of  our 
lips;  but  make  us  always  bringers  of  good  cheer,  to 
the  glory  of  Christ.     Amen. 

June  11  —  In  Silent  Hours 

Yet  the  Lord  will  command  his  lovingkindness  in 
the  daytime;  and  in  the  night  his  song  shall  be  with 
me,  even  a  prayer  unto  the  God  of  my  life.  —  Psalm 
42  : 8. 

Speak  to  my  heart,  my  Father,  in  the  still  hours 
when  I  remain  alone  with  thee.  In  my  first  waking 
thoughts,  in  musings  when  I  lay  me  down  in  peace 
to  sleep,  in  the  night  watches  when  the  noises  of 
this  world  are  hushed,  in  all  quiet  moments  of  my 
busy  days,  reveal  thyself  to  me,  my  Life,  my  Light, 
my  Joy!  When  the  cares  of  life  weigh  heavily  upon 
me,  remind  me  of  thy  loving  care  that  never  over- 
looks my  need.  When  the  trials  of  life  fill  my  soul 
with  perplexity  and  tempt  me  to  foreboding,  teach 
me  the  simplicity  of  faith.  So  by  thy  presence  and 
provision  make  me  ever  patient  to  endure  and  strong 
to  work  for  thee.    And  may  these  times  of  happy 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     127 

meditation  and  sweet  communion  be  the  hidden  joy 
of  life.     Amen. 

June  12  —  A  Thanksgiving 

0  come,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord;  let  us  tnaHe  a  joy- 
ful noise  to  the  rock  of  our  salvation.  .  .  .  For  he  is 
our  God,  and  we  are  the  people  of  his  pasture,  and 
the  sheep  of  his  hand.  —  Psalm  95  : 1 . 

Thou  hast  dealt  bountifully  with  us,  0  God,  and 
our  hearts  return  to  thee  in  gratitude  for  all  thy 
lovingkindness.  We  thank  thee  for  unexpected 
mercies,  like  sunlight  through  the  cloud;  and  the 
common,  daily  blessings  that  require  our  praise. 
Praise  be  unto  thee,  our  Father,  that  thou  art  ever 
with  us  and  that  we  are  not  left  without  a  refuge  for 
our  heart's  desire  of  home  and  love.  For  our 
spread  table  and  secure  repose;  for  peace  and 
strength  and  hope;  for  comfort  in  distress  and 
courage  to  venture  and  to  overcome;  for  the  fellow- 
ships of  home  and  work,  the  opportunities  of 
knowledge  and  the  beauty  of  the  earth ;  for  thy  call 
to  service  and  the  great  example  of  our  Lord,  we 
bring  our  glad  thanksgiving.  Help  us  to  live  as 
becometh  thy  dear  children  and  give  us  a  part  in  thy 
great  work.    Amen. 


& 


June  13  —  The  Greater  Hope 

For  God  is  not  unrighteous  to  forget  your  work  and 
the  love  which  ye  showed  toward  his  name.  .  .  .And 
we  desire  that  each  one  of  you  may  show  the  same 
diligence  unto  the  fulness  of  hope  even  to  the  end: 
that  ye  he  not  sluggish  but  imitators  of  thein  who 


128     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the  promises.  — 
Heb.  6  :  10. 

We  thank  thee,  our  Father,  that  thou  hast  not 
suffered  our  hearts  to  decline  upon  little  hopes,  but 
hast  set  before  us  the  following  of  our  great  Lord  and 
the  bringing  in  of  thine  eternal  kingdom.  Help 
us  to  set  our  aims  and  aspirations  high,  yes,  even  on 
the  level  of  thy  just  and  loving  will  for  all  men  and 
for  us.  Sustain  us  in  the  twilight  hours  of  faith  and 
in  the  times  of  weariness  when  we  are  tempted  to 
forget  thy  presence  and  to  forfeit  our  privilege  of 
communion  with  thee.  Send  thy  Holy  Spirit  to 
uphold  our  hearts  in  faith  and  love.  Though  we 
have  no  map  of  the  road  by  which  thou  leadest  us, 
may  we  never  for  a  moment  doubt  that  if  we  follow 
on  we  shall  arrive.  And  to  thy  name  be  praise 
through  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord.     Amen. 


June  14  —  The  Light  of  Life 

But  as  for  me,  in  the  Lord  will  I  keep  watch;  I 
will  wait  for  the  God  of  my  salvatio7i;  my  God  will 
hear  me.  Rejoice  not  against  me,  0  mine  enemy: 
ivhen  I  fall  I  shall  arise;  when  I  sit  in  darkness  the 
Lord  will  be  a  light  unto  me.  —  Micah  7  :  7. 

Thou  art  our  light,  0  God,  let  us  not  turn  away 
from  thee  to  walk  in  darkness.  Remember  our 
childishness  and  deliver  us  from  the  evil  which 
hardens  men's  heart  and  blinds  their  ej^es.  Keep  our 
feet  from  snares  and  our  lips  from  folly.  Grant 
us  to  live  before  thee  in  sincerity  of  obedience,  that 
we  may  be  thy  children  in  desire  and  hope,  looking 
for  the  manifestation  of  Christ  and  the  perfecting 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     129 

of  thy  purpose.  Have  pity  upon  those  who  have 
left  the  way  and  stumble  in  the  darkness.  Let  thy 
love  follow  and  thy  mercy  lead  them.  Bring  us  all 
to  helpful  knowledge  of  thy  will  and  warm  desire  for 
the  coming  of  thy  kingdom.  Let  thy  light  shine  in 
us,  that  'the  shadows  may  depart;  and  through 
us  for  the  help  of  others.  And  to  thy  name  be 
praise.     Amen. 

June  15  —  Living  Abundantly 

Wherefore,  brethren,  give  the  more  diligence  to 
make  your  calling  and  election  sure;  for  if  ye  do  these 
things  ye  shall  never  stumble;  for  thus  shall  be  richly 
supplied  unto  you  the  entrance  into  the  eternal  King- 
dom of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.  —  2  Pet. 
1  :10. 

Lord,  I  desire  to  live  and  love  abundantly,  ac- 
cording to  thy  word.  Keep  me,  I  pray  thee,  from 
poverty  of  heart.  Give  me  wide  interests  and  ab- 
sorbing purposes  and  affections.  Yet,  because  I 
know  so  little  of  the  values  of  what  earth  gives  and 
am  so  weak  of  thought  and  will,  and  that  which  I 
have  treasured  thou  mayest  count  of  little  worth, 
give  me  better,  and  more  lasting  treasures.  When 
thou  takest  from  me,  add  of  thy  pure  grace  and  love 
what  thou  approvest  that  I  may  never  be  left 
empty  and  ashamed.  Let  good  replace  the  evil 
and  the  better  the  good.  Thou  who  art  best,  be 
thou  the  best  in  all  I  have.  Give  me  courage  to 
act  joyfully  on  this  belief,  letting  go  that  which 
hinders,  denjdng  evil  affections  that  I  may  love  thee 
with  all  my  heart,  and  finding  thee  in  all  my  friend- 
ships and  affections.  This  I  ask  in  the  name  of 
Christ.     Amen. 


130     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

June  16  —  Our  Leader 

Jesus  answered  them,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you, 
every  one  that  committeth  sin  is  the  bondservant  of 
sin:  And  the  bondservant  abideth  not  in  the  house 
forever;  the  son  abideth  for  ever.  If  therefore  the 
Son  shall  make  you  free,  ye  shall  be  free  indeed.  — 
John  S  :  34. 

Spirit  of  the  living  God,  our  guide  and  teacher  in 
the  ways  of  uprightness,  help  us  to  prepare  our 
hearts  for  great  temptations  in  little  habits  of  true 
living  and  a  constant,  cheerful  watchfulness  against 
the  evil  that  is  in  the  world.  Establish  our  souls 
in  righteousness,  so  that  we  shall  without  conscious 
thought  accept  and  follow  good  and  turn  aside  from 
evil.  Let  not  sin  have  dominion  over  us  or  the 
light  that  is  in  us  be  brought  to  darkness.  But 
shine  Thou,  true  Light  of  all  men,  in  our  most 
unconsidered  acts  and  words  that  we  may  be  wholly 
penetrated  and  illuminated  by  thy  grace  and  fitted 
more  and  more  for  the  freedom  of  the  unclouded 
presence  of  God,  where  no  sin  is,  nor  any  hate  or 
shame.  And  this  we  ask  of  thee  in  the  name  of 
Christ  who  loved  us  and  gave  himself  for  us.     Amen. 

June  17  —  A  Willing  Service 

But  now  complete  the  doing  also;  that  as  there  loas 
a  readiness  to  will,  so  there  may  be  the  completion 
also  out  of  your  ability.  For  if  the  readiness  is  there, 
it  is  acceptable  according  as  a  man  hath,  and  not  ac- 
cording as  he  hath  not.  —  2  Cor.  8  :  11. 

Lord,  when  we  hear  thy  call  give  us  courage  to 
choose  our  part  with  thee  and  to  offer  ourselves 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     131 

willingly  for  thy  service.  Let  us  not  lie  to  our 
own  hearts  about  the  work  to  which  thou  hast  sum- 
moned us,  as  if  the  way  were  easy  that  leads  to  con- 
quest over  evil  in  the  world  and  over  the  tempta- 
tions in  our  own  soul's  experience.  Oh,  write  it  on 
our  hearts  that  now  is  the  day  of  salvation,  that  we 
may  work  the  works  to  which  thou  hast  called  us 
while  it  is  day  and  that  thy  honor  may  be  known  in 
us  by  our  venturing  forth  and  our  unwearied  en- 
durance.    In  his  name.     Amen. 

June  18  —  For  Overcoming  Grace 

A7id  he  hath  said  unto  trie:  My  grace  is  sufficient 
for  thee:  for  my  power  is  made  perfect  in  weakness. 
Most  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather  glory  in  my  weak- 
nesses, that  the  power  of  Christ  may  rest  upon  me.  — 
2  Cor.  12: 9. 

Friend  and  Helper  of  my  soul,  whose  love  each 
new  day  of  my  want  and  thy  suppty  confirms,  thy 
presence  is  my  joy,  thy  promise  is  my  hope,  thy 
life  the  full  assurance  of  eternal  life.  With  hearty 
and  unfeigned  repentance,  most  of  all  that  by 
transgression  I  have  grieved  thy  patient  love,  I 
ask  forgiveness  of  my  sin.  O  loving  Friend,  let 
me  not  think  or  speak  that  which  can  bring  dis- 
honor to  thy  name.  I  bless  thee  for  thy  trust  which 
sends  me  forth  amid  the  cares  and  trials  of  this 
present  evil  world  and  for  the  help  that  fails  not  in 
my  need.  Teach  me  to  overcome.  Aid  me  in  work 
which  is  both  thine  and  mine.  Reveal  thyself  more 
clearly  to  my  longing  heart,  for  thine  is  the  call 
which  I  have  heard  and  thine  shall  be  my  love  for- 
evermore.     Amen. 


132     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

June  19  —  Joy  in  God 

Thy  righteousness  also,  0  God,  is  very  high;  thou 
who  hast  done  great  things,  0  God,  who  is  like  unto  theef 
.  .  .  My  lips  shall  shout  for  joy  when  I  sing  praises 
unto  thee;  and  my  soul  which  thou  hast  redeemed.  — 
Psalm  71  :  19. 

Lord,  be  thou  alone  the  true  and  deepest  joy  of 
my  heart;  not  thy  gifts,  not  even  what  I  do  and 
learn  by  thine  assistance.  Let  thy  companionship 
be  rest  of  spirit,  savor  of  delight,  compensation  for 
all  grief  and  loss,  the  lasting  zest  of  friendship, 
refuge  in  perplexity,  reproof  and  uplifting  when  I 
fall.  I  thank  thee  for  this  treasure  of  continual 
cheer,  this  light  of  thy  presence,  which  none  can 
dim  or  quench.  Yet,  Lord,  though  I  have  been  so 
much  with  thee,  let  me  not  forget  to  learn 
watchfulness  from  the  dark  hours  when  my  neglects 
have  been  as  clouds  to  hide  thy  face.  Help  me  to 
purity  of  heart,  that  I  may  be  of  those  who  see  thee. 
Help  me  to  the  love  which  finds  delight  in  service, 
that  I  may  be  like  thee,  who  gavest  thy  Son  for  the 
world's  need.  And  lead  thou  me  through  glad  and 
helpful  days  on  earth  to  clearer  vision  and  life  un- 
marred  by  sin .     Amen . 

June  20  —  Growth  in  Grace 

But  speaking  the  truth  in  love,  may  grow  up  in  all 
things  into  him,  who  is  the  head,  even  Christ;  from 
whom  all  the  body  fitly  framed  and  knit  together 
through  that  which  every  joint  supplieth,  according 
to  the  working  in  due  measure  of  each  several  part, 
maketh  the  increase  of  the  body  unto  the  building  up 
of  itself  in  love.  — Eph.  4  :  15. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     133 

Lord  Jesus  Christ,  whose  love  has  called  us  out  of 
sin  to  the  experiment  of  faith,  so  control  and  direct 
our  wills  by  the  indwelling  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  that 
we  may  speedily  attain  to  full  assurance,  without 
backsliding  and  without  discouragement.  Reveal 
thyself  to  us,  for  it  is  thee  we  crave,  to  be  our  joy, 
our  peace,  our  loving  friend,  our  revelation  of  the 
Father.  Give  us  patience,  knowing  that  thy  work 
within  our  hearts  must  grow  from  less  to  more; 
and  strengthen  us  in  hours  of  weakness  with  up- 
holding of  thy  love.  By  thy  word,  through  service 
in  thy  name  to  other  men,  in  meditation  and  con- 
stant readiness  of  will,  speak  to  our  hearts,  0  Liv- 
ing Christ  of  God!  So  may  all  our  doubts  be 
swallowed  up  in  adoration  and  all  fears  cast  out  by 
perfect  love.    Amen. 

June  21  —  From  Generation  to  Generation 

Attend  unto  me,  0  my  people;  and  give  ear  to  me, 
0  my  nation:  for  a  law  shall  go  forth  from  me,  and  I 
will  establish  my  justice  for  a  light  of  the  peoples  .  .  . 
7ny  salvation  shall  be  for  ever,  and  my  salvation  unto 
all  generations.  —  7s.  51  :  ^. 

0  Lord,  whose  mercies  are  from  everlasting,  we 
thank  thee  that  from  generation  to  generation  thou 
hast  been  our  fathers'  God.  We  bless  thee  for 
their  labors  in  the  ended  years  and  for  the  light  of 
hope  above  the  path  in  which  our  children  walk. 
Help  us  to  live  before  thee  in  serenity  of  faith. 
Teach  and  enable  us  to  serve  our  generation  day  by 
day  with  cheerful  patience  and  considerate  love. 
Come  thou  and  rule  in  church  and  state,  in  home  and 
heart,  changing  our  selfishness  to  service  and  our 


134     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

doubt  to  praise.  Reveal  thyself  in  the  events  and 
changes  of  the  passing  days.  Remove  all  hindrances 
and  make  the  witness  of  thy  church  effective  for  the 
coming  of  thy  kingdom  and  the  glory  of  thy  name. 
Bring  in  the  age  of  peace  and  fill  the  whole  earth 
with  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Christ.    Amen. 


June  22  —  The  Heavenly  Friend 

And  hereby  know  we  that  we  know  him,  if  we  keep 
his  commandments  .  .  .  whoso  keepeth  his  word,  in 
him  verily  hath  the  love  of  God  been  perfected.  .  .  . 
He  that  saith  he  abideth  in  him  ought  himself  also  to 
walk  even  as  he  walked.  —  1  John  2  :  3. 

0  Heavenly  Friend,  whose  love  disdained  not 
mortal  life  and  death,  we  bless  thee  for  the  grace  of 
every  day's  companionship  with  thee,  for  thy 
patience  and  compassion  which  can  never  fail,  and 
that  thou  hast  set  before  us  the  hope  and  glory  of 
thine  own  eternal  life.  Deal  gently  with  us,  0 
most  loving  Guest  and  Friend,  cleansing  our  troubled 
hearts  that  we  may  grow  like  thee.  Reprove  and 
purge  our  faults  that  we  may  overcome  them  by 
thine  aid.  Teach  us  to  bring  forth  fruit  in  righteous- 
ness. Give  us  the  joy  of  fellowship  with  thee  in 
work.  When  sorrows  and  perplexities  surround  our 
path  may  our  souls  abide  in  the  secret  of  thy  pres- 
ence and  share  the  perfect  peace  of  those  whose 
hearts  are  stayed  on  thee.  Keep  us  from  every 
idle  thought  and  foolish  word.  Confirm  in  us  all 
pure  desires  and  holy  ambitions  by  thy  loving  care, 
and  shine  through  us  for  helpful  light  on  other  lives. 
Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS      135 

June  23  —  A  Thanksgiving 

0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord;  for  he  is  good;  for  his 
lovinghindness  endureth  forever.  .  .  .  The  Lord  is 
my  strength  and  song;  and  he  is  become  my  salvation. — 
Psalm  118  : 1. 

We  praise  thee,  0  God,  the  Father  and  Helper  of 
all  the  sons  of  men,  who  hast  redeemed  us  and  made 
our  hearts  glad  in  thy  presence.  Every  day  thou 
hast  enriched  us  with  blessing  and  spoken  to  our 
hearts  in  love.  Thou  hast  turned  sorrow  into  joy 
and  made  thy  light  to  shine  out  of  the  clouds  of  our 
foreboding.  The  peace  of  our  dwelling  has  been 
thy  peace  and  thou  hast  spread  a  table  before  us. 
Thou  hast  been  ever  of  our  company  in  friendship 
and  in  joy.  By  thy  strength  we  have  labored  and 
thou  hast  given  us  rest  and  refreshment.  Have 
pity,  0  God,  upon  the  poor  and  troubled  of  the  earth 
and  sustain  the  oppressed,  giving  them  release  and 
cheer.  Help  us  to  receive  thy  gifts  with  gratitude 
and  to  show  our  love  by  service.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.     Amen. 

June  24  —  The  Divine  Presence 

Behold,  the  Lord  Jehovah  will  come  as  a  rnighty  one, 
and  his  arm  will  rule  for  him.  Behold,  his  reward  is 
with  hhn,  a7id  his  recompense  before  him.  He  will 
feed  his  flock  like  a  shepherd,  he  will  gather  the  lambs 
in  his  arms  and  carry  them  in  his  bosom,  and  will 
gently  lead  those  that  have  their  young.  —  Is.  4-0  :  10. 

Come,  Spirit  of  the  Living  God,  to  our  unrestful 
spirits  with  thy  rest.  Pardon  our  transgressions, 
that  with  pure  conscience  and  right  desire  we  may 


136     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

do  thy  work  upon  the  earth.  Increase  in  us  pa- 
tience and  faith.  Help  us  to  be  content  with  thine 
appointments  for  our  present  life  and  to  glory  in 
thy  promise  for  the  life  to  come.  Open  our  eyes  to 
behold  the  tokens  of  thy  presence  in  the  beauty  of 
the  earth  and  in  the  lives  of  men.  Forbid  our  hearts 
to  hate,  but  quicken  in  us,  more  and  more,  long- 
suffering  and  unenvying  love.  To  thee  would  we 
return  in  every  grief.  Hold  us  forever  in  thy  care, 
0  God,  and  give  us  ready  hearts  to  meet  thee  as 
thou  comest  to  bring  God's  kingdom  in  and  show 
its  power  to  men.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

June  25  —  Improving  the  Time 

So  then,  my  beloved,  even  as  ye  have  always  obeyed, 
not  as  in  my  presence  only,  but  now  much  more  in 
my  absence,  work  out  your  own  salvation  with  fear  and 
trembling;  for  it  is  God  who  worketh  in  you  both  to 
will  and  to  work  for  his  good  pleasure.  —  Phil. 
2  :  12. 

Let  this  day,  0  our  God,  even  this  day  which  we 
are  tempted  to  waste  or  to  misuse,  be  shown  us  as 
our  day  of  opportunity  and  thy  day  of  power. 
Open  our  ears  to  thy  call  and  give  us  strength  and 
courage  to  enter  in  to  our  inheritance  of  service  and 
of  joy.  Keep  us  from  all  indecision  and  delay; 
from  languor,  which  saps  the  strength  of  the  soul,  and 
self-conceit  which  is  as  blindness  to  the  eyes  and 
palsy  to  the  hands.  If  we  have  forgotten  thee, 
awake  our  memory  to  life,  lest  we  should  waste  our 
time  in  listlessness  or  lay  up  bitter  recollections  for 
the  years  to  come.  Show  us  that  this  is  thy  great 
day  —  the  only  day  —  of  our  repentance  and  our 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     137 

faith,  of  work  and  patience,  of  thy  help  and  blessing, 
the  appointed  day  of  courage  and  of  joy  for  such  as 
trust  in  thee.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


June  26  —  The  Little  and  the  Great 

And  he  that  was  sown  among  the  thorns,  this  is  he 
that  heareth  the  word;  and  the  care  of  the  world,  and 
the  deceitfulness  of  riches,  choke  the  word,  and  he 
becometh  unfruitful.  —  Matt.  13  :  22. 

Lord,  of  thy  merciful  kindness,  teach  me  to  dis- 
tinguish between  the  little  and  the  great.  Let  me 
not  be  deceived  by  misty  and  unreal  appearances  or 
led  from  the  true  way  by  clamor  of  deceiving 
tongues.  May  love  and  duty,  courage  and  childlike 
faith,  seem  always  high  and  wonderful  to  my  soul, 
and  help  me  to  understand  that  thou  hast  given  me 
these  little  tasks  to  carry  through  for  thee.  Let 
thy  light  shine  upon  drudgery  that  it  may  always 
appear  related  to  the  coming  of  thy  kingdom. 
Lighten  my  responsibilities  with  assurance  of  thy 
presence  and  the  guidance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
and  so  lead  me  through  the  troubled  days  of  this 
life  that  I  may  have  some  work  to  do  for  thee  here- 
after. And  this  I  ask  in  the  name  of  the  loving  and 
faithful  Lord  Jesus,  in  whom  I  know  thee  and  thy 
Fatherhood.     Amen. 


June  27  —  Friendship 

Now  a  certain  man  was  sick,  Lazarus  of  Bethany. 
.  .  .  The  sisters  therefore  sent  unto  him,  saying.  Lord, 
behold  he  whom  thou  lovest  is  sick.  .  .  .   Now  Jesus 


138     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

loved  Martha  and  her  sister  and  Lazarus.  .  .  .  Jesus 
wept.  The  Jews  therefore  said,  Behold  how  he  loved 
him  !  —  John  11  : 1. 

Lord,  thou  hast  given  me  a  friend,  teach  me  to  be 
worthy  of  thy  gift  and  of  his  love  and  faith.  Show 
me  how  to  bear  myself  in  his  presence  and  how  to 
think  of  him  in  absence.  Let  me  have  the  joy  of 
serving  him  in  great  or  little  things.  Make  one  in 
our  communion,  and  when  we  part  help  me  to  leave 
him  to  thy  care  with  quietness  of  heart.  Give  him 
mercies  according  to  thy  wisdom  and  his  own  desire 
and  help  me  to  put  away  all  selfishness  in  my  wish  to 
bless  his  life.  Let  our  friendship  grow  from  experi- 
ence to  experience.  May  we  meet  in  the  higher 
regions  of  our  thought  and  have  continual  delight 
in  common  thoughts  of  good.  I  thank  thee  for  the 
myriad  friendships  of  mankind  and  would  ever 
count  mine  richer  because  it  joins  me  in  the  brother- 
hood of  man.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


June  28  —  Cheerful  Courage 

Fear  not,  little  flock,  for  it  is  your  Father^s  good 
pleasure  to  give  you  the  kingdom.  Sell  that  ye  have 
and  give  alms;  make  for  yourselves  purses  which 
wax  not  old,  a  treasure  in  the  heavens  that  faileth  not. 
.  .  .  For  where  your  treasure  is,  there  will  your  heart 
be  also.  — Luke  12  :  32. 

In  thee  do  we  put  our  trust,  O  Thou  most  merciful ! 
and  from  the  fountain  of  thy  life  we  would  look  for 
blessing  evermore.  Endue  us  with  a  cheerful 
courage.  Make  us  ready  to  venture  and  enjoy 
because    our    life    has    found   its   perfect   rest    in 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     139 

thee.  Reveal  thyself  more  perfectly  to  our  desirous 
hearts  and  make  us  sharers  of  thy  work  for  men. 
When  we  have  sinned,  give  us  a  true  repentance  and 
forsaking,  and  increase  continually  our  delight  in  the 
beauty  of  thy  holiness.  When  doubts  intrude,  let 
our  work  interpret  thy  hidden  purposes  and  our 
own  affections  reflect  the  patience  of  thy  love. 
When  man  disappoints  us,  be  thou  our  refuge  and  our 
satisfaction.  For  thou  art  our  security,  our  strength 
and  peace.     Amen. 


June  29  —  For  Sympathetic  Hearts 

The7i  shall  the  King  say  unto  them  on  his  right 
hand,  Come,  ye  blessed  of  7ny  Father,  inherit  the 
kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the 
world:  for  I  was  hungry,  and  ye  gave  me  to  eat; 
I  was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  drink;  I  was  a 
stranger,  and  ye  took  me  in.  —  Matt.  25  :  34- 

Give  us  pitiful  and  comprehending  hearts,  0 
God,  in  the  presence  of  our  neighbor's  need,  and  as 
we  think  upon  all  poverty  and  suffering.  Rem_em- 
ber  those  who  have  no  other  helper,  and  in  thy  mercy 
uphold  and  comfort  the  distressed  and  helpless. 
Remember  those  who  are  fighting  the  grim  fight  with 
want,  and  open  a  way  for  them  that  they  fall  not 
also  in  the  power  of  hopeless  need.  Show  us  how  to 
use  thy  gifts  for  the  necessities  of  our  brothers  and 
enable  us  to  give  something  of  ourselves  with  every 
gift,  after  the  pattern  of  our  pitying  and  helpful 
Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


140     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

June  30  —  The  Gifts  of  God 

7/  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts 
unto  your  children,  how  much  more  shall  your  Father 
who  is  in  heaven  give  good  thirigs  to  them  that  ask  him. 
All  things  therefore  whatsover  ye  would  that  men  should 
do  unto  you,  even  so  do  ye  also  unto  them:  for  this  is 
the  law  and  the  prophets.  —  Matt.  7  :  11. 

We  thank  thee  that  thou  art  ever  with  us,  our 
Father,  and  that  thy  mercy  has  sustained  us  in 
trouble  and  crowned  our  lives  with  good.  For  all 
the  gifts  thy  love  has  made  our  portion  —  for  thy 
Son,  our  Lord,  and  all  he  gave  and  taught;  for  thy 
presence  and  the  brotherhood  of  men ;  for  those  who 
are  first  in  our  heart's  desire  and  all  the  hopes  of 
wider  fellowship  and  more  intimate  communion; 
for  shelter,  food  and  rest,  the  fruits  of  the  earth, 
the  achievement  of  our  thought  and  toil;  for 
memory  and  hope;  the  sympathy  that  gives  and 
gains,  we  bring  thee  our  thanksgiving.  Though 
in  the  midst  of  trials  praise  come  not  with  our  first 
impulsive  thought,  yet,  Lord,  let  it  become  the 
true  expression  of  heart's  purpose,  the  offering  of  a 
love  that  needs  but  leisure  to  rise  from  our  lips  in 
song.  For  we  are  thine  in  loving  thankfulness  and 
we  would  dwell  in  thy  house  forevermore.     Amen. 

July  1  —  The  Spirit  of  Brotherhood 

Thou  shall  not  hate  thy  brother  in  thy  heart:  thou 
shall  surely  rebuke  thy  neighbor  and  not  bear  sin 
because  of  hirn.  Thou  shall  not  take  vengeance  nor 
bear  any  grudge  against  the  children  of  thy  people: 
but  thou  shall  love  thy  yieighhor  as  thyself. — Lev. 
19  :  17. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     141 

0  Lord,  most  wise,  most  loving  and  most  mercifuL 
who  hast  called  us  from  loneliness  into  the  fellow- 
ship of  saints,  so  lead  and  guide  us  by  the  indwelling 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit  that  we  may  live  as  becometh 
that  great  calling  and  our  common  hope.  Most 
loving  Father,  who  hast  sent  thy  Son  that  he  might 
win  us  for  his  kingdom  and  bring  us  home  to  thee,  so 
enable  us  to  overcome  all  hatred,  strife  and  jealousy 
that  we  may  love  our  neighbor  as  ourself .  As  thou 
hast  chosen  for  thyself  friends  and  helpers  for  the 
redemption  of  the  world,  so  help  us  to  live  in  the 
spirit  of  that  brotherhood,  overcoming  evil  with 
good  and  building  that  which  shalt  endure,  that 
thou  mayest  have  thy  part  in  us  as  thou  hast  given 
us  to  have  our  part  in  thee.  And  let  thy  goodness 
rest  upon  the  whole  company  of  the  redeemed. 
In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

July  2  —  In  Times  of  Rest 

And  he  saith  unto  them,  Come  ye  yourselves  apart 
and  rest  awhile.  For  there  were  many  coming  and 
going,  anj  they  had  no  leisure  so  much  as  to  eat. 
And  they  went  away  in  the  boat  to  a  desert  place 
apart.  —  Mark  6  :  31. 

0  God,  who  hast  supported  us  in  work,  be  with 
us  also  in  our  times  of  rest  and  pleasure.  Let  us 
not  wish  to  go  where  we  cannot  desire  thy  presence 
with  us,  not  to  do  what  we  know  thou  canst  not 
approve,  nor  to  hear  that  which  offends  against  thy 
law  of  purity  and  truth.  Make  rest  effectual  for 
better  work  hereafter  and  give  us  in  our  quiet  and 
unhurried  hours  more  intimate  communion  with 
thy  Holy  Spirit.     Lord  .Tesus  Christ,  go  with  us 


142     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

where  we  go  and  help  us  to  be  witnesses  for  thee. 
Refresh  our  spirits  by  thy  word  and  let  our  cheer 
abound.  And  thine  shall  be  the  praise  for  strength 
to  work  and  opportunities  of  rest.     Amen. 

July  3  —  Our  Progress  God's  Care 

Grace  to  you  and  peace  he  multiplied  in  the  knowledge 
of  God  and  of  Jesus  our  Lord;  seeing  that  his  divine 
power  hath  granted  unto  us  all  things  that  pertain 
unto  life  and  godliness,  through  the  knowledge  of 
him  that  called  us.  —  2  Pet.  1:2. 

Father  in  heaven,  we  thank  thee  that  our  growth 
and  progress  are  thy  care.  Fulfill  in  each  of  us 
thine  own  thought  of  what  our  lives  should  be,  and 
while  we  serve  thee  keep  our  hearts  from  worry 
and  distress.  Plan  thou  for  us.  Choose  thou  our 
way  and  end.  Give  strength  for  attainment. 
Hasten  the  completion  of  thy  purpose  in  us.  Help 
us  to  go  onward,  looking  ever  to  the  shining  of  the 
light  of  Christ,  and  with  no  faltering  steps.  Keep 
us  in  the  special  cares  and  trials  of  our  lot,  0  thou 
who  in  love  abidest  ever  with  thy  children.  Live 
our  days  with  us,  that  our  hearts  may  ever  be  pure 
and  true.  Make  them  all  aglow  with  the  light  and 
fervor  of  thy  presence.  Let  there  be  peace  in  the 
hearts  of  all  that  love  thee.  And  let  thy  kingdom 
come  on  earth.    Amen. 

July  4  —  Independence  Day 

Blessed  be  the  Lord,  that  hath  given  rest  unto  his 
people  Israel  according  to  all  that  he  promised:  there 
hath  not  failed  one  loord  of  all  his  good  promise.  .  .  . 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     143 

The  Lord  our  God  be  with  us,  as  he  was  with  our 
fathers  .  .  .  that  he  may  incline  our  hearts  unto  hiniy 
to  walk  in  all  his  ways  .  .  .  which  he  commanded 
our  fathers.  —  1  Kings  8  :  56. 

Almighty  God,  who  in  former  times  didst  lead 
our  fathers  forth  into  a  wealthy  place;  give  thy 
grace,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  to  their  children, 
that  we  may  always  prove  ourselves  a  people  mind- 
ful of  thy  favor  and  glad  to  do  thy  will.  Bless  our 
land  with  honorable  industry,  sound  learning  and 
pure  manners.  Defend  our  liberties,  preserve  our 
unity.  Save  us  from  violence,  discord  and  confu- 
sion, from  pride  and  arrogancy  and  from  every  evil 
way.  Fashion  into  one  happy  people  the  multitudes 
brought  hither  out  of  many  kindreds  and  tongues. 
Endue  with  the  spirit  of  wisdom  those  whom  we 
entrust  in  thy  name  with  the  authority  of  govern- 
ance, to  the  end  that  there  may  be  peace  at  home  and 
that  we  may  keep  our  place  of  honor  and  good  will 
among  the  nations  of  the  earth.  In  the  time  of 
prosperity,  fill  our  hearts  with  thankfulness;  and 
in  the  day  of  trouble  suffer  not  our  courage  and  our 
faith  in  thee  to  fail.  In  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

July  5  —  A  Thanksgiving 

Thou  makest  the  outgoings  of  the  morning  and  the 
evening  to  rejoice.  Thou  visitest  the  earth,  and 
water  est  it,  .  .  .  Thou  water  est  its  furrows  abun- 
dantly; .  .  .  Thou  blessest  the  springing  thereof.  — 
Psalm  65  : 8. 

0  Lord,  our  confidence  and  joy,  how  many  are 
thy  gifts  and  how  patient  is  thy  love!  We  thank 
thee  that  thou  hast  given  us  life  in  this  fair  world 


144     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

and  strength  to  meet  its  claims  upon  us.  We 
praise  thee  for  the  peace  of  sleep  and  the  vigor  of 
the  dawn.  Thou  hast  knit  cords  of  sympathy  that 
bind  us  heart  to  heart.  Thou  settest  the  solitary 
in  families  and  thy  seal  of  blessing  is  upon  the  joys 
of  home.  Thou  givest  the  fruits  of  the  earth  and 
the  pleasures  of  eye  and  ear  for  our  enjoyment. 
Thou  hast  brought  our  fathers  to  this  goodly  land 
and  helped  them  in  their  time  of  need.  We  bless 
thee  for  progress  and  hope,  the  divine  Fatherhood 
that  makes  our  lives  secure  and  for  thy  love  that 
overbrims  the  cup  of  joy.  Help  us  to  be  grateful  in 
remembrance  and  happy  in  our  work.  Give 
courage,  faith  and  love  that  make  us  more  like 
thee.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

July  6  —  Faithful  Living 

His  Lord  said  unto  him,  Well  done,  good  and  faith- 
ful servant:  thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  things, 
I  will  set  thee  over  many  things;  enter  thou  into  the 
joy  of  thy  Lord.  —  Matt.  25  :  2L 

'  Eternal  and  ever-blessed  God,  help  me,  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord,  to  be  faithful  in 
my  stewardship  for  thee  on  earth.  Especially  assist 
me  in  little  things,  and  in  all  the  opportunities  and 
temptations  of  my  life  with  others.  Help  me  to  be 
just  and  merciful,  loving,  courteous  and  cheerful 
in  all  the  social  relations  of  life,  and  especially  with 
those  whom  thou  hast  given  me  for  love  and  care. 
Guard  me  from  evil,  and  especially  from  leading 
others  into  sin.  Teach  me  a  wise  and  loving  pa- 
tience and  forbearance  in  all  the  trials  and  vexa- 
tions of  my  life.     Help  me  to  be  faithful  in  all 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     145 

duties,  and  grateful  for  all  kindly  ministries.  And 
may  there  be  nothing  in  my  words  or  deeds  that  can 
bring  reproach  upon  thy  holy  name.  And  this  I 
ask  through  my  most  patient  and  loving  Saviour. 
Amen. 

July  7  —  Our  Teacher 

I  will  instruct  thee  and  teach  thee  in  the  way  which 
thou  shalt  go:  I  will  counsel  thee  with  mine  eye  upon 
thee.  .  .  .  Be  glad  in  the  Lord  and  rejoice,  ye  right- 
eous; and  shout  for  joy  all  ye  that  are  upright  in 
heart.  —  Psalm  32  :  8. 

In  this  day's  work  and  thought,  0  God,  I  would 
be  taught  by  thee.  Thou  art  my  Father,  let  thy 
care  extend  to  every  Httle  need  that  helps  to  make 
my  life.  Teach  me  to  make  right  choices.  Help 
me  to  see  the  right  and  love  it  that  I  may  turn 
away  from  evil  and  follow  good.  Give  me  a  quiet 
heart  in  disappointments.  In  all  relations  with  my 
family  and  my  neighbors  teach  me  to  be  ready  to 
help  and  full  of  cheer.  Show  me  what  is  just  and 
honorable  in  my  business,  for  it  is  thee,  my  Father, 
whom  I  desire  to  serve  in  common  things.  Help 
me  to  be  merciful  and  forgiving  that  I  may  claim 
thy  mercy.  Put  away  sin  and  folly  from  my  thought 
that  I  may  grow  like  Christ  in  purity  of  heart  and 
love  to  thee.  And  use  me  for  thy  work  on  earth, 
through  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord.     Amen. 

July  8  —  The  Folly  of  Worry 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  the  Lord  .  .  . 
for  he  shall  be  as  a  tree  planted  by  the  waters,  that 
spreadeth  oid  its  roots  by  the  river,  and  shall  not  fear 


146     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

when  heat  cometh,  but  its  leaf  shall  be  green:  and 
shall  not  be  careful  in  the  year  of  drought,  neither 
shall  cease  from  yielding  fruit.  — Jer.  17  :  7. 

Giver  of  all  good,  our  loving  Heavenly  Father, 
help  us  by  a  childlike  faith  and  answering  love  to 
rest  our  hearts  on  thee  without  anxiety  or  worry. 
Since  thou  hast  taken  on  thyself  the  care  of  all  our 
needs,  teach  us  to  plan  and  do  our  part 
in  full  confidence  that  all  things  shall  work 
together  for  our  good.  Keep  us  from  the  folly  of 
distrust,  from  the  troubled  thoughts  which  sap  our 
strength,  from  the  needless  cares  and  perplexities 
of  life.  In  the  way  of  thine  appointing  may  we  find 
a  continual  peace  of  heart.  When  trouble  comes 
in  like  a  flood,  be  thou  our  refuge  and  our  confidence. 
May  no  ungrateful  worry  spoil  our  joy  or  mar  our 
witness,  but  help  us  to  be  faithful,  provident,  and 
wisely  foreseeing  in  cheerful  work  with  thee.  In 
the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


July  9  —He  Restoreth  My  Soul 

*SeeA;  ye  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found;  call  ye 
upon  him  while  he  is  near:  let  the  ivicked  forsake  his 
way,  and  the  unrighteous  man  his  thoughts,  and  let 
him  return  unto  the  Lord  and  he  will  have  mercy  upon 
him;  and  to  our  God,  for  he  will  abundantly  pardon.  — 
7s.  65  : 6. 

I  bless  thee,  my  God,  that  thou  hast  been  merciful 
unto  me,  and  searched  me  out  in  the  hidden  place 
where  I  had  strayed  and  fallen!  It  is  of  thy  loving- 
kindness  that  I  am  brought  back  from  the  folly  of 
my  wandering  and  from  distress  and  darkness  and 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     147 

that  I  see  once  more  the  Ught  of  life.  Let  it  be 
sweet  to  my  soul  that  thou,  from  whom  are  all 
things,  rejoicest  with  thine  own  in  my  recovery  and 
return.  My  Deliverer,  my  Joy  and  Hope,  take  my 
life  henceforward  into  thine  own  care.  Lead  me 
where  thou  wilt  and  as  thou  wilt  and  forsake  me 
not  when  my  fears  and  my  temptations  come. 
Bring  me  into  the  company  of  thy  redeemed  and 
joyful  people  and  let  thy  friendship  be  my  joy  and 
crown.  Gird  me  with  strength  for  all  my  work  on 
earth  and  dwell  in  me  to  will  and  do  forevermore. 
Amen. 

July  10  —  Comrades  of  Christ 

//  ye  abide  in  me,  and  7ny  words  abide  in  you,  ask 

whatsoever  ye  will  and  it  shall  be  done  unto  you. 

Herein  is  my  Father  glorified,   that  ye  bear  much 

fruit;  and  so  shall  ye  be  my  disciples.  — John  15  :  7. 

We  thank  thee,  Father,  for  thy  confidence,  which 
enables  us  to  go  upon  our  way  with  good  courage  and 
rejoicing  hearts.  Keep  in  our  thoughts,  by  the 
guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  are  sent  of 
Christ  to  complete  his  work.  In  all  experiences 
may  we  find  the  tokens  of  thy  presence.  Help  us 
to  love  justice  and  show  mercy  as  followers  of  the 
just  and  patient  and  confiding  Lord  who  sends  us 
forth.  In  all  relations  with  our  fellow  men,  may  we 
think  of  them  as  children  of  the  same  loving  Father, 
sharers  of  the  same  opportunity,  called  wdth  the 
same  high  calling  as  ourselves.  Bring  in  thy  king- 
dom. Lord!  Enlarge  the  place  of  thy  dwelling  in 
the  hearts  of  men.  And  let  us  serve  our  generation 
with  joy  and  patience  and  self-giving  love.  In  the 
name  of  Christ.    Amen, 


148     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

July  11  —  The  Hedged  Way 

Enter  ye  in  by  the  narrow  gate:  for  wide  is  the  gate, 
and  broad  is  the  way,  that  leadeth  to  destruction,  and 
many  are  they  that  enter  in  thereby.  For  narrow  is 
the  gate,  and  straitened  the  way,  that  leadeth  unto  life, 
and  few  be  they  that  find  it.  —  Matt.  7  :  13. 

Thou  hast  hedged  me  in,  0  God,  and  made  my 
way  strait;  let  hedge  and  wall  be  my  defense,  lest 
I  break  through  into  forbidden  fields.  Thou  hast 
denied  strength,  let  thy  strength  be  made  perfect 
in  my  weakness.  I  thank  thee  for  plain  paths  that 
lead  to  thee.  When  fear  is  heavy  upon  me,  help  me 
to  take  refuge  in  the  thought  that  thou  and  I  are 
all  sufficient  for  my  work.  Thou  who  hast  made 
limitations,  give  enlargement!  Thou  who  hast 
suffered  weakness,  make  my  courage  sure!  Let  me 
not  seek  too  great  a  task,  nor  envy  other  children  of 
thy  love.  Send  whom  thou  wilt,  and  where  thou 
wilt,  but  teach  me  to  be  faithful  in  the  measure  of 
thy  gifts.  So  perfect  thy  good  purpose  in  my  life 
and  bring  me  to  thyself  at  last.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.     Amen. 


July  12  —  For  Victory  in  Temptation 

Wherefore  let  him  that  thinketh  he  standeth  take 
heed  lest  he  fall.  There  hath  no  temptatio7i  taken  you 
but  such  as  man  can  bear:  but  God  is  faithful,  ivho 
will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted  above  that  ye  are  able; 
but  will  with  the  temptation  make  also  the  way  of 
escape,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  endure  it.  —  1  Cor. 
10  :  12. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     149 

0  God,  our  Father,  whose  will  it  is  that  none 
should  perish  but  that  all  should  live,  enable  us  so 
to  use  thy  gift  of  freedom  that  it  shall  prepare  us 
for  the  eternal  life  of  holiness  with  thee.  When  in 
the  temptations  of  the  world  we  are  sifted  as  wheat, 
grant  us  that  our  faith  fail  not.  When  we  are  in 
peril  from  the  lusts  that  war  against  the  soul,  be 
thou  our  guard.  For  thine  own  pity  and  for  the 
love  of  those  who  need  us  and  who  suffer  when  we 
fail,  preserve  us  in  the  hour  of  weakness.  For 
the  love  wherewith  Christ  loved  us,  grant  us  the 
fellowship  of  his  Spirit  when  we  are  tried  in  the 
likeness  of  his  temptations.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

July  13  —  Fruit-Bearing 

For  this  cause  we  also  .  .  .  do  not  cease  to  pray 
and  7nake  request  for  you,  that  ye  may  be  filled  with 
the  knowledge  of  his  will  in  all  spiritual  wisdom  and 
understanding,  to  walk  worthily  of  the  Lord  unto  all 
pleasing,  bearing  fruit  in  every  good  work  and  in- 
creasing in  the  knowledge  of  God.  —  Col.  1  :  9. 

Teach  me,  0  God  my  Father,  the  glory  of  the 
love  that  stooped  to  save  and  the  wonder  of  that 
trust  which  gives  thy  honor  to  my  hands.  Help  me 
to  fix  my  hopes  and  my  desires  on  thee,  to  scorn 
and  loathe  the  evil  of  my  heart,  to  turn  away  from 
every  sin  and  seek  all  opportunities  of  service. 
I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  trusted  me  and  that  thy 
word  is  in  my  heart  and  thy  message  given  me  to 
speak  by  lips  and  life.  Lest  I  go  astray  and  thy  holy 
name  may  be  blasphemed  or  some  whom  thou  hast 
loved  be  kept  from  finding  thee  —  their  life  and  joy 


150     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

—  keep  thou  me,  0  God!  and  put  thy  law  in  my 
heart  and  thy  word  on  my  lips,  that  I  may  bear 
true  witness  and  bring  fortli  fruit  to  thy  glory  and 
my  own  heart's  joy.  Be  thou  my  life  and  in  thee 
may  I  rest  and  hope  forevermore.    Amen. 


July  14  —  The  Active  Life  with  Christ 

For  if  these  things  are  yours  and  abound,  they  make 
you  to  he  not  idle  nor  unfruitful  unto  the  knowledge 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  .  .  .  For  if  ye  do  these 
things  ye  shall  never  stumble:  for  thus  shall  be  richly 
supplied  unto  you  the  entrance  into  the  eternal  king- 
dom of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.  —  2 
Pet.  1  : 8. 

Oh,  to  be  like  thee,  Lord,  as  a  clear  glass  through 
which  the  glory  of  the  Heavenly  Father  shines! 
Oh,  to  be  counted  worthy  to  have  helped  men  to 
acquaintance  with  their  Redeemer  and  their  Friend! 
Lord,  save  me  from  the  useless  life,  the  unholy  and 
unlovely  drifting  on  of  thoughtless  ease.  Show  me 
thy  work  and  give  me  the  great  joy  of  having  some 
little  part  in  it  for  which  thou  dost  depend  on  me. 
Thou  hast  given  me  my  talents,  help  me  neither  to 
despise  nor  overrate  them.  Give  me  wisdom  to  per- 
ceive my  opportunity,  courage  to  grasp  it,  grace  to 
persevere.  Let  assurance  of  thy  presence  sustain 
me  in  despondency.  Pardon,  in  thy  merciful 
kindness,  my  manifold  neglects  and  transgressions, 
which  have  hurt  my  influence  as  thy  child.  And 
guard  my  way,  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left, 
that  I  wander  no  more,  neither  betray  the  trust 
which  thou  hast  committed  to  my  care.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     151 

July  15  —  Sharing  God's  Gifts 

And  he  said  unto  him,  Master,  all  these  things 
have  I  observed  from  my  youth.  And  Jesus  looking 
upon  him  loved  him,  and  said  unto  him,  One  thing 
thou  lackest:  go,  sell  whatsoever  thou  hast,  and  give 
to  the  poor,  and  thou  shall  have  treasure  in  heaven: 
and  come,  follow  me.  But  his  countenance  fell  at  the 
saying,  and  he  went  away  sorrowful;  for  he  was  one 
who  had  great  possessions.  —  Mark  10  :  20. 

0  Lord,  who  hast  shared  thy  life  with  us,  help  us 
to  share  thy  gifts  with  others  in  remembrance  of 
thy  mercy.  Make  us  so  much  like  thee  that  it  shall 
be  our  joy  to  help  and  save.  Suffer  us  not  to  fix 
our  hearts  on  earthly  things,  lest  we  should  lose  our 
hold  on  thee.  0  Thou  who  art  good  to  the  thankless 
and  the  undeserving!  arm  us  against  the  sting  and 
suffering  of  ingratitude.  Out  of  our  social  life  let 
our  best  blessings  flow  and  where  our  brothers  are, 
there  let  us  seek  for  thee.  We  bless  thee,  our 
Father,  for  the  showing  forth  of  what  thou  art  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  walked  with  men  in 
majesty  of  brotherhood  and  was  ever  ready  to  give 
and  to  receive.  Let  not  pride  withdraw  us  from 
the  common  ways,  nor  fastidiousness  become  a 
veil  between  us  and  thee.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

July  16  —  A  Midsummer  Prayer 

He  water eth  the  hills  from  his  chambers;  the 
earth  is  filled  with  the  fruit  of  thy  works.  He  causeth 
the  grass  to  grow  for  the  cattle,  and  herb  for  the  labor 
of  man;  that  he  may  bring  forth  food  out  of  the  earth.  — 
Psalm  104  '  13. 


152     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

By  thee,  0  Lord,  the  year  comes  to  its  fullness  and 
the  harvest  fields  grow  ready  for  the  reaper.  We 
thank  thee  that  thou  sendest  the  sunwarmth  for  the 
yellowing  grain  and  the  refreshing  rains  that  quicken 
the  parched  earth  and  feed  the  springs  of  the  hills 
and  make  the  brooks  sing  on  their  journey  toward 
the  sea.  Give  strength  to  man  for  labor.  Give  us 
new  strength  and  refreshment  in  sleep,  and  in  our 
waking  let  thy  presence  be  our  rest.  Let  our  hearts 
sing  for  joy  in  the  remembrance  of  thy  goodness. 
Let  thy  love  and  mercy  be  our  strength  and  consola- 
tion in  the  hour  when  trouble  falls  upon  us,  that 
we  may  accept  and  overcome  it  as  thy  schooling 
for  our  souls.  As  thou  bringest  the  trees  to  growth 
and  preparest  a  table  both  for  man  and  beast,  so 
feed  and  ripen  our  souls  in  the  sunlight  of  thy  love 
that  we  may  be  ready  for  all  the  changes  thou  shalt 
please  to  send.  May  the  hours  we  spend  in  dear 
companionship  under  the  wonder  of  thy  heavens, 
by  shore  or  hill  or  in  the  shadows  of  thy  wood,  be 
full  of  high  and  loving  thoughts.  Keep  us  in 
strength,  that  we  may  serve  thee.  Deepen  our  joy 
in  life  and  in  the  beauty  of  the  earth,  that  we  may 
find  thee  everywhere.  Let  our  eyes  shine  with  the 
light  of  thy  indwelling  Spirit  and  our  whole  life 
reflect  the  glory  of  the  love  of  Christ  our  Lord. 
In  his  name.    Amen. 


July  17  —  Responsibilities 

He  that  is  faithful  in  a  very  little  is  faithful  also 
in  much.  .  .  .  If  therefore  ye  have  not  been  faithful 
in  the  unrighteous  mammon,  who  will  commit  to  your 
trust  the  true  riches f    And  if  ye  have  not  been  faithful 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     153 

in  that  which  is  another's,  who  will  give  you  that  which 
is  your  ownf  — Luke  16  :  10. 

Lord,  in  these  cares  and  responsibilities  for  others, 
which  I  must  car^y  day  by  day,  be  thou  my  confi- 
dence and  hope.  Because  thou  lovest  all,  yet  hast 
committed  the  concerns  and  happiness  of  these 
especially  to  me,  I  come  to  ask  for  wisdom.  Watch 
at  my  side  that  I  go  not  astray  or  tempt  to  wander- 
ing by  my  ill  example.  Let  not  my  folly  mar  the 
stay  of  any  man  on  earth  or  hinder  the  joy  of  the 
blessed  life  which  comes  from  thee.  Keep  my 
heart  bright  with  cheer  that  thy  sun  may  shine 
through  me  upon  the  road.  And  make  me  diligent 
and  confident  in  simplicity  of  faith,  as  one  who  is 
the  instrument  of  service  and  holds  the  promise  of 
the  King.  So  clear  my  heart  of  pride  and  coward 
sluggishness  and  base  anxiety,  and  let  me  serve  all 
those  whom  thou  hast  given  me  with  quiet  heart 
and  patient  faith.     Amen. 

July  18  —  The  Return  to  God 

Come  and  let  us  return  unto  the  Lord:  for  he  hath 
torn,  and  he  will  heal  us;  he  hath  smitten  and  he  will 
bind  us  up.  .  .  .  And  let  us  know,  let  us  follow  on 
to  know  the  Lord:  his  going  forth  is  sure  as  the  mor7i- 
ing;  and  he  will  come  unto  us  as  the  rain,  as  the  latter 
rain  that  water eth  the  earth.  —  Hos.  6:1. 

0  Thou  that  dwellest  in  light,  the  illumination 
and  glory  of  our  souls,  open  our  eyes  that  we  may 
see  wherein  we  have  offended  against  thee.  Let 
not  the  darkness  of  false  loves  and  the  desire  of  sin 
keep  from  us  the  brightness  of  thy  truth,  nor  let 


154     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

us  seek  to  hide  ourselves  from  thee  in  refuges  of 
Hes.  Give  us  courage,  Lord,  to  confess  and  forsake 
our  sins  and  strength  to  resist  the  temptations 
which  do  so  easily  beset  us.  For  thou  art  our  hope, 
the  assurance  of  our  salvation  and  the  light  of  our 
hearts.  Let  not  the  dread  of  suffering  or  the  shame 
of  discovery  keep  us  from  the  way  of  repentance  and 
return.  Teach  us  to  live  in  the  light,  that  we  may 
be  without  fear  or  shame  before  thee  and  give  us 
courage,  when  we  fail,  to  turn  our  faces  homeward 
with  desire  to  find  thee  and  thy  pardon  and  thy 
strength.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

July  19  —  The  Strong  and  the  Weak 

Now  we  that  are  strong  ought  to  hear  the  infirmities 
of  the  weak,  and  not  to  please  ourselves.  Let  each  one 
of  us  please  his  neighbor  for  that  which  is  good  unto 
building  u'p.  For  Christ  also  pleased  not  himself.  — 
Rom.  15  : 1. 

Our  God,  who  hast  given  us  life,  meaning  to  win 
us  for  thy  willing  and  obedient  children,  help  us, 
we  entreat  thee,  not  to  live  so  selfishly  as  only  to 
receive  and  not  to  give  compassion.  I^et  us  be 
willing  sharers  of  thy  thought  and  work.  Let  our 
patience  and  endeavor  for  the  need  of  others  be 
offered,  like  thine  own,  for  true  love's  sake.  Con- 
firm and  establish  in  us  all  motions  and  desires  of 
brotherhood,  all  thoughts  of  kindness.  Teach  us 
to  be  just  and  merciful,  remembering  thine  upright- 
ness, 0  Thou  that  delightest  in  mercy !  When  our 
own  burdens  weigh  heavily,  come  thou  to  our  relief, 
leaving  us  free  and  strong  for  help  of  others.  So 
let  the  fellowship  we  most  desire  grow  between  us 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     155 

and  thee,  0  Thou  compassionate!  And  help  us  to 
be  thy  true  and  help-bringing  followers  all  our 
appointed  days  on  earth.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

July  20  —  The  Peace  of  God 

And  the  work  of  righteousness  shall  be  peace;  and 
the  effect  of  righteousness,  quietness  and  confidence 
for  ever.  And  my  people  shall  abide  in  a  peaceable 
habitation,  and  in  sure  dwellings,  and  in  quiet  resting 
places.  —Is.  32  :  17. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hast  invited  all  who  are 
weary  and  heavy  laden,  unto  thee  we  come  for  rest. 
We  ask  not  idleness  or  the  putting  away  of  earth's 
needful  crosses  and  disappointments,  but  for  thy 
presence  and  companionship  in  waiting  and  .  in 
work.  Help  us  to  take  thy  yoke  upon  us  and  to 
learn  of  thee.  Prosper  thou  the  work  of  our  hands, 
so  far  as  it  shall  be  for  thy  glory  and  for  our  growth 
in  holiness.  Give  us  the  peace  of  God  which  passeth 
understanding,  and  may  our  deep  heart's  gladness 
overflow  in  cheerful  days.  And  when  thou  hast 
finished  thy  work  in  us  and  through  us  on  the  earth, 
take  us  to  thyself  that  we  may  be  partakers  of  that 
rest  which  remaineth  for  the  children  of  God. 
And  to  thee,  our  Lord,  the  Giver  of  heart's  rest,  be 
praise  forever  more!     Amen. 

July  21  —  God's  Kingdom  First 

But  seek  ye  first  his  kingdom  and  his  righteousness; 
arid  all  these  things  shall  be  added  unto  you.  Be  not 
therefore  anxious  for  the  morrow,  for  the  morrow  will 


156     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

be  anxious  for  itself.    Sufficient  for  the  day  is  the 
evil  thereof.  —  Matt.  6  :  33. 

Let  it  not  be  a  hardship  unto  me,  0  Lord,  that  I 
am  taught  to  seek  thy  kingdom  first,  but  let  me 
know  that  all  my  strength  and  joy  are  found  in 
thee  and  in  thy  loving  will  for  good.  Give  me  true 
courage  that  I  may  not  fear,  though  dangers  seem 
to  grow  about  my  way.  Lead  me  not  into  tempta- 
tion, but  help  me  to  use  temptation  when  it  comes 
as  a  call  to  victory  through  the  strength  thou  givest 
and  hast  nourished  in  my  soul.  Let  obedience  be 
the  channel  of  delight  as  well  as  the  occupation  of 
my  thought.  And  when  I  fail,  forgive  and  have 
patience  with  me,  while  with  true  repentance, 
simple  faith  and  undiscouraged  hope  I  make  a  new 
beginning  in  thy  holy  way.  In  gratitude  and  con- 
fession I  come;  let  my  heart's  song  be  ever  of  thy 
love  in  Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord.     Amen. 


July  22  —  Living  Together 

Let  love  be  without  hypocrisy.  Abhor  that  which  is 
evil;  cleave  to  that  which  is  good.  In  love  of  the 
brethren  be  tenderly  affectioned  one  to  another;  in 
honor  preferring^  one  another.  ■ —  Rom.  12  :  9. 

We  thank  thee,  our  Father,  that  thou  hast  put 
within  our  souls  the  need  of  friendship  and  given 
us  its  satisfactions  in  the  experience  of  life  on  earth 
and  its  hopes  beyond  the  gate  of  expectation  we  call 
death.  Help  us  by  thy  good  favor  to  become  more 
worthy  of  friendship,  that  we  may  minister 
more  purely  and  give  more  generously  to  those  we 
love.     Restore  to  us  in  thine  own  good  time  the 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     157 

friends  we  have  lost  by  reason  of  separation,  mis- 
understanding, and  especially  because  of  our  own 
folly.  Help  us  to  forgive  as  we  would  be  forgiven, 
to  be  patient,  considerate,  full  of  cheer  and  encour- 
agement, ready  to  speak  or  keep  silence  as  the  law  of 
love  shall  declare.  May  all  our  friendships  be  rooted 
in  the  satisfaction  of  thy  presence  and  make  thou 
one  in  all  relations.  In  the  name  of  Jesus,  who  has 
called  us  friends.     Amen. 

July  23  —  The  Use  of  Freedom  , 

For  so  is  the  will  of  God,  that  by  well-doing  %e 
should  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men: 
as  free,  and  not  using  your  freedom  for  a  cloak  of 
malice,  but  as  bondservants  of  God.  Honor  all  men. 
Love  the  brotherhood.  Fear  God.  Honor  the  king.  — 
1  Pet.  2  :  15. 

0  God,  our  Father,  who  hast  made  us  free  in 
Jesus  Christ,  help  us  to  use  thy  gift  with  true 
humility  and  unfeigned  love  of  holiness,  and  not  as 
an  occasion  to  the  flesh.  Keep  us  from  transgres- 
sions that  enslave  and  fears  that  weaken;  and 
enable  us  to  live  upon  the  high  levels  of  our  noblest 
thought  and  hope.  Lead  us  into  knowledge  suffi- 
cient for  us.  Deny  us  not  the  comfort  of  thy 
presence.  In  doubt,  enlighten  thou  our  darkness. 
When  we  fall,  recover  us  to  true  repentance  and 
enable  us  to  walk  at  liberty  because  we  keep  thy 
commandments.  Forgive  our  sins  for  thy  love's 
sake.  Give  strength  for  endurance,  wisdom  for 
decision,  loving  patience  with  our  fellow  men  and 
cheerful  thoughts  and  looks  continually.  And  may 
our  walk  and  words  commend  the  freedom  of  the 
life  with  Christ.     Amen. 


158     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

July  24  —  Waiting  for  God 

The  wicked  watcheth  the  righteous,  and  seeketh  to 
slay  him.  The  Lord  will  not  leave  him  in  his  hand, 
nor  condemn  him  when  he  is  judged.  Wait  on  the 
Lord  and  keep  his  way,  and  he  will  exalt  thee  to  inherit 
the  land:  when  the  wicked  are  cut  off  thou  shalt  see 
it.  —  Psalm  37  :  32. 

Teach  us  thy  patience,  0  our  God,  for  we  are  but 
the  creatures  of  a  day  and  know  not  how  to  wait. 
Give  us  to  breathe  the  clear  air  of  the  eternal  years 
in  which  thou  workest  quietly  to  bring  thy  plans  to 
their  fruition.  Nor  suffer  us  to  wait  in  listless 
quiet,  but  with  a  forward-looking  faith  which  shall 
enable  us  to  sing  for  joy  of  heart.  Build  in  our  souls 
great  expectations,  high  imaginings  of  love's  triumph 
and  the  coming  glory  of  thy  righteous  kingdom, 
large  thoughts  of  the  value  of  the  souls  of  men  for 
whom  Christ  died.  When  our  troubles  come,  afford 
us  aid,  that  we  may  not  be  shaken,  but  stand  fast. 
Enable  us  to  finish  that  work  which  thou  hast  given 
us  to  do.  Clear  from  our  hearts  all  selfish  thoughts 
and  vain  anxieties  and  may  thy  Holy  Spirit  guide  us 
into  truth  and  an  abiding  peace.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.     Amen. 


July  25  —  Our  Human  Affections 

A  father  of  the  fatherless,  and  a  judge  of  the  widows, 
is  God  in  his  holy  habitation.  God  setteth  the  solitary 
in  families;  he  bringeth  out  the  prisoriers  into  pros- 
perity; but  the  rebellious  dwell  in  a  parched  land.  — 
Psalm  68  : 5. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     159 

0  God,  in  whose  presence  is  our  love's  content, 
help  us  so  to  use  all  human  affections  that  they  may 
speak  to  us  of  thee.  Pardon  their  failures  and  short- 
comings and  make  them  wholly  thine.  For  strength 
in  ministry  to  those  we  love,  for  opportunities  of 
service  and  for  glad  humility  in  receiving,  we  hum- 
bly pray.  Love  is  thy  gift,  help  us  to  use  it  nobly, 
in  all  sorrow  and  in  all  delight.  Choose  thou  our 
happiness  and  sustain  us  with  thy  patience  in  our 
grief.  When  in  humility  of  seK-knowledge  we  are 
afraid  to  think  of  the  great  love  that  others  bring  us, 
may  we  grow  strong  and  pure  by  the  remembrance 
of  their  affection.  Help  us  to  know  the  power  of 
thy  great  love  in  Christ,  0  God,  for  joyful  righteous- 
ness. And  may  that  holy  love  surround  and  purify 
all  earthly  ties  of  affection,  that  they  may  be  as 
enduring  as  our  life  that  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God. 
And  to  thee  be  praise,  O  God,  through  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

July  26  —  The  Soul's  Worth  to  God 

Now  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself,  and  God  our 
Father  who  loved  us  and  gave  us  eternal  comfort  and 
good  hope  through  grace,  comfort  your  hearts  and 
stablish  them  in  every  good  work  and  word.  —  2 
Thess.  2  :  16. 

Teach  us,  our  Father,  when  life  seems  without 
meaning  and  we  are  tempted  to  forget  our  calling  as 
thy  children,  to  remember  the  worth  of  the  poorest 
soul  to  thee  and  the  glory  of  an  experience  thou 
didst  send  thine  own  beloved  Son  to  share.  Forgive 
us  that  we  spend  ourselves  in  such  petty  aims  and 
belittle    our    opportunity    with     such     unworthy 


160     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

thoughts.  Help  us  by  thy  grace  to  Jive  largely, 
confident  in  thy  love  and  care  and  seeking  to  find 
thy  meaning  in  the  daily  experience  of  life  mth  thee. 
Reveal  thyself  in  our  relations  with  others,  in  work 
and  play,  in  hours  of  quiet  meditation.  In  all  these 
experiences  prepare  our  hearts  for  intimate  com- 
munion with  thee  in  prayer.  Make  our  lives  glori- 
ous, we  beseech  thee,  by  making  them  of  use.  And 
give  us  the  joy  of  thy  presence  evermore.  In  the 
name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

July  27  —  Serenity  of  Faith 

Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  daily  beareth  our  burden, 
even  the  God  who  is  our  salvation.  God  is  unto  us  a, 
God  of  deliverances;  and  unto  Jehovah  the  Lord 
belong  the  issues  from  death.  —  Psalm  68  :  19. 

Grant  us,  0  God,  a  deep  serenity  of  faith  amid  the 
changes  and  upheavals  of  the  world.  Give  us 
obedient  hearts  in  time  of  doubt.  Keep  us  from  all 
indifference  of  the  callous  heart,  making  us  quick 
to  sympathize  and  aid.  In  our  righteous  indigna- 
tion with  cruelty  and  hate,  help  us  to  leave  the  issue 
with  full  assurance  to  thy  justice  and  thy  love. 
When  we  hear  of  evil,  make  us  more  in  love  with 
good.  Let  not  forebodings  overcome  us  —  as  if 
the  clouds  had  killed  the  sun.  Have  mercy  on  those 
who  sufTer.  Shorten  all  times  of  war.  Prevent  the 
deeds  of  wickedness.  Deliver  the  victims  of  man's 
pride  and  hate.  Let  valor  and  self-giving  and  all 
the  patience  of  those  who  endure  not  fail  of  their 
reward.  Let  the  end  of  life  be  glorious,  though  its 
ways  lead  through  the  dark.  In  the  name  of  our 
pitiful  and  helpful  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     161 

July  28  —  Whole-Hearted  Discipleship 

For  I  know  the  thoughts  that  I  think  toward  you, 
saith  the  Lord,  thoughts  of  peace  and  not  of  evil,  to 
give  you  hope  in  your  latter  end.  And  ye  shall  call 
upon  me  .  .  .  and  I  will  hearken  unto  you.  And  ye 
shall  seek  me,  and  find  me,  when  ye  shall  search  for 
me  with  all  your  heart.  — Jer.  29  :  11. 

Thou  hast  not  made  the  world  in  jest  or  careless- 
ness, 0  Lord;  help  us  to  enter  into  thy  thought  of 
its  purpose  and  to  follow  the  leading  of  thy  Spirit 
with  full  enthusiasm  of  heart.  Since  thou  hast 
made  us  for  happy  life  and  joyful  fellowship  of  work 
with  thee,  save  us  from  the  indifference  which  is 
itself  a  condemnation,  from  the  lukewarm  spirit 
which  is  hateful  in  thy  sight,  from  neglect  of  op- 
portunities which  are  thy  gift,  from  carelessness  of 
the  enthusiasm  which  is  a  mark  of  following  Christ. 
Show  us  thy  glory  in  the  helpful  service  of  our  com- 
mon days.  Transfigure  our  drudgeries  with  the 
hght  of  heaven  for  which  they  are  thy  chosen 
school.  Enable  us  to  bring  forth  fruit  on  earth  and 
in  thine  own  good  time  be  fitted  for  the  rest  that 
remaineth  for  thy  people.    Amen. 

July  29  —  Peace  Lovers 

Follow  after  peace  with  all  men,  and  the  sanctiiica- 
tion  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord:  look- 
ing carefully  .  .  .  lest  any  root  of  bitterness  springing 
up  trouble  you,  and  thereby  the  many  be  defiled.  — 
Heb.  12  :  I4. 

0  God  ol  peace,  whom  we  have  known  in  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,  make  us  peace-lovers,  as  thou  art, 


162     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

through  faith  in  him,  and  suffer  us  also  to  know  the 
happiness  our  Lord  foretold  for  the  peacemakers. 
Let  this,  0  Lord,  be  no  passive  and  cloistered  virtue 
of  our  souls,  but  rather  our  heart's  unfailing  com- 
panion in  the  work  of  the  day  and  the  thoughts  of 
the  night.  Help  us  to  love  —  yea,  Lord  !  even  to 
love  our  enemies,  as  Christ  hath  taught  us,  not 
rendering  injury  for  injury  or  wrath  for  wrath,  but 
seeing  all  men  in  the  light  of  thy  love  and  compas- 
sion and  seeking  their  good  with  singleness  of  heart. 
Turn  even  our  indignation  and  righteous  anger  to 
the  final  service  of  love,  that  we  may  come  to  be 
like  thee.  Forget  us  not  in  the  hour  of  our  tempta- 
tion but  keep  our  hearts  from  hatred  and  our  tongues 
from  strife.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

July  30  —  Joyful  Service 

Serve  the  Lord  with  gladness:  come  before  his 
presence  with  singing.  Know  ye  that  the  Lord,  he  is 
God;  it  is  he  that  made  us,  and  we  are  his;  we  are  his 
people,  and  the  sheep  of  his  pasture.  —  Psalm  100  :  2. 

0  Thou  who  hast  given  me  love  without  measure 
and  help  without  price,  let  me  not  weigh  and  mete 
out  my  obedience  like  a  slave,  but  teach  me  how 
thy  children  live  before  thee  in  a  noble  freedom  and 
joyful  continuance  of  faithful  love.  Let  each  day 
of  my  life  be  a  day  of  thy  presence.  Kindle  in  my 
heart  desire  of  holiness.  Let  me  not  waver,  faint- 
hearted and  irresolute,  the  sport  of  circumstance 
and  the  shadow  of  other  men's  wishes,  but  aid  me  to 
be  strong  and  steadfast,  daily  giving  thanks  for  a 
child's  place  in  the  Father's  house  and  for  the 
opportunity  of  helpfulness.     O  Thou,  the  faithful 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     163 

Redeemer  and  Shepherd  of  our  souls,  as  thou 
didst  live  in  obedience  and  uprightness  of  faith  and 
love,  enable  us  also  to  be  true  and  persevering  and 
let  thy  blessing  rest  on  all  who  seek  and  follow  thee. 
Amen. 

July  31  —  The  Divine  Guest 

For  thus  saith  the  high  and  holy  One  that  inhabiteth 
eternity,  whose  name  is  Holy:  I  dwell  in  the  high  and 
holy  place,  with  him  also  that  is  of  a  contrite  and 
humble  spirit,  to  revive  the  spirit  of  the  humble  and 
to  revive  the  heart  of  the  contrite.  —  Is.  57  :  15. 

Lord,  I  desire  thee  and  none  other  for  my  most 
intimate  and  abiding  Guest.  When  thou  comest,  I 
would  haste  to  open  the  door  and  entreat  thy  en- 
trance. Come  and  abide  and  turn  my  life  from 
evil  and  become  my  heart's  delight  and  song.  Let 
me  so  live  that  I  shall  not  be  ashamed  before  thee 
when  my  thoughts  return  to  the  place  which  thou 
hast  chosen  for  thy  rest.  Leave  me  not  useless  in 
a  world  that  lies  in  need,  but  let  thy  light  shine  out 
to  testify  of  thee.  To  this  end  teach  me,  I  entreat 
thee,  to  love  purity  and  peace  and  the  strength  of  a 
watchful  obedience.  And  let  thy  joy  abide  in  my 
heart  and  thy  presence  illuminate  and  interpret  dark 
experiences  and  all  the  weariness  of  life.  So  would 
I  be  blameless  in  thy  sight  and  come  to  know  and 
love  thee  better  day  by  day.     Amen. 

August  1  —  Continual  Care 

If  thou  draw  out  thy  heart  to  the  hungry,  and  satisfy 
the  afflicted  soul:  then  shall  thy  light  arise  in  darkness, 
and  thine  obscurity  be  as  the  noonday;   and  the  Lord 


164     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

will  guide  thee  continually  and  satisfy  thy  soul  in 
drought,  and  make  strong  thy  hones;  and  thou  shall 
he  like  a  watered  garden,  and  like  a  spring  of  water 
whose  waters  fail  not.  —  Is.  58  :  10. 

0  God,  whose  gift  is  faith  and  hope  through  Jesus 
Christ,  we  bless  thee  also  for  the  lovingldndness 
which  has  brought  us  comfort  all  along  the  way. 
Thine  are  these  changing  skies,  this  earth  that 
ripens  corn  for  bread  and  flowers  for  beauty,  these^ 
walls  that  shelter  us  from  cold  and  storm,  these 
hopes  that  cheer.  In  every  day's  renewal  of  our 
life  with  thee,  in  countless  gifts,  unrecognized,  which 
join  to  make  our  hearts  content,  in  all  the  kindly 
affections  of  our  human  fellowship,  we  look  to  thee 
with  grateful  hearts.  Enlarge  our  souls,  that  those 
who  love  us  may  have  more  occasion  for  their  love. 
Quicken  our  consciences,  that  we  may  desire  more 
of  the  beauty  of  thy  holiness.  Make  us  of  use  and 
help  among  the  needy  and  the  lonely.  Endow  us 
with  strength  and  wisdom  that  we  may  serve  our 
generation  before  we  fall  asleep.  And  abide  thou 
with  us  in  purity  and  power  forevermore.     Amen. 

August  2  —  God's  Vineyard 

And  ahout  the  eleventh  hour  he  went  out,  and  found 
others  standing;  and  he  saith  unto  them.  Why  stand 
ye  here  all  the  day  idle?  They  say  unto  him.  Because 
no  man  hath  hired  us.  He  saith  unto  them,  Go  ye 
also  into  the  vineyard.  —  Matt.  20  :  6. 

Master  of  the  vineyard,  who  askest  of  every  man 
a  reason  for  his  idleness  and  givest  opportunity  of 
work  to  all,  give  us  willing  hearts  to  share   thy 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     165 

purpose  and  thy  work.  Arm  us  against  our 
own  indolent  sluggishness  and  make  us  alert 
to  follow  the  leadings  of  thy  will.  0  thou  who  art 
ever  present  with  thy  people,  give  us  inspiration 
and  the  persevering  strength  our  special  task  re- 
quires. Keep  us  from  listless  drifting,  as  the 
wind  drives  and  the  river  flows,  and  set  before  us 
clear  aims  and  confident  hopes  toward  which 
we  may  make  progress  day  by  day.  Teach 
us  that  joy  in  the  Father's  work  which  enriched  the 
life  of  Jesus  and  let  us  see  the  coming  of  thy 
kingdom.     Amen. 


August  3  —  Adventure  with  God 

For  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  the  present  time 
are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory  which 
shall  he  revealed  to  us-ward.  For  the  earnest  expecta- 
tion of  the  creation  waiteth  for  the  revealing  of  the  sons 
of  God  .  .  .  in  hope  that  the  creation  itself  also  shall 
be  delivered  from  the  bondage  of  corruption  into  the 
glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God. —  Rom.  8  :  18. 

Lord,  thou  hast  led  our  fathers  in  their  way,  lead 
us  also  toward  thy  chosen  goal.  Give  us  faith  and 
courage  that  we  may  venture  in  thy  service  where 
new  ways  open  and  strange  tasks  invite.  Kindle 
our  imagination,  we  beseech  thee,  with  power  to 
take  a  wider  and  a  deeper  view  of  the  world;  and 
enable  us  to  recognize  and  follow  opportunity  as  it 
beckons.  To  this  end  of  venturing  courage,  0  Lord, 
help  us  not  to  burden  our  souls  with  the  love  of 
earth's  treasures  or  to  fix  our  hearts  upon  its  am- 
bitions and  delights.     Set  us  free  from  slavery  to 


166     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

fashions  of  the  world's  opinion  and  from  the  weak 
indolence  of  our  own  souls.  And,  while  we  venture, 
guide  our  thoughts  and  guard  our  words,  that  we 
may  do  good  and  not  evil  all  the  days  of  our  life.  In 
the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


August  4  —  Purposeful  Days 

For  all  things  are  for  your  sakes,  that  the  grace  being 
multiplied  through  the  many,  may  cause  the  thanks- 
giving to  abound  unto  the  glory  of  God.  Wherefore  we 
faint  not,  but  though  our  outward  man  is  decaying,  yet 
our  inward  man  is  renewed  day  by  day. —  2  Cor. 
4  :  15. 

Let  this  day,  0  my  Father,  bring  me  nearer  to  thy 
thought  of  what  my  life  should  be.  Keep  me  from 
aimless  hours  and  the  weak  drift  of  will  which  goes 
nowhither  and  brings  no  results  to  pass.  Let  rest 
and  pleasure  serve  for  the  renewal  of  my  powers 
and  give  me  strength  of  patience  for  disappointment 
and  the  long,  unvarying  hours  of  toil.  Enlighten 
thou  my  mind,  that  I  may  understand  the  issues  of 
my  choice  from  hour  to  hour.  Where  I  fail  in  wis- 
dom, let  thy  teaching  bring  me  aid.  When  I  fall, 
come  thou  to  lift  me  up,  and  when  I  am  discouraged, 
give  me  by  assurance  of  thy  love  the  undaunted 
faith  which  persists  and  overcomes.  Establish  thou 
the  work  of  my  hands,  0  God,  and  let  that  which 
thou  hast  committed  to  me  prosper  and  grow  strong 
for  the  progress  of  thy  kingdom  and  the  glory  of  thy 
name.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     167 

August  5  —  Simple  Living 

At  that  season  Jesus  answered  and  said,  I  thank 
thee,  0  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  thou 
didst  hide  these  things  from  the  wise  and  understanding, 
and  didst  reveal  them  unto  babes:  yea.  Father,  for  so  it 
was  well-pleasing  in  thy  sight. —  Matt.  11  :  25. 

0  Lord,  we  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  revealed 
thyself  to  babes  and  to  the  weak  and  simple  of  the 
earth.  We  bless  thee  that,  though  thou  art  un- 
searchable, yet  the  child's  heart  may  know  and  dwell 
with  thee,  and  that  though  thy  words  are  deep,  so 
that  the  wisest  man  cannot  read  all  their  meaning, 
yet  they  speak  to  the  hearts  of  thy  little  ones  so  that 
they  hear  and  trust.  Keep  us  from  the  false  subtle- 
ties of  the  world's  wisdom,  that  we  may  feed  upon 
thy  pure  word  in  childlike  faith.  Suffer  us  not  to 
cumber  our  lives  with  many  burdens,  but  may  we  be 
content  with  such  things  as  thou  hast  provided, 
looking  unto  thee  as  our  true  joy  and  wealth.  So 
may  our  hearts  be  at  peace  in  the  midst  of  the 
world's  troubles  through  the  indwelling  of  thy  Spirit 
and  the  faith  of  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

August  6  — ^  A  Thanksgiving 

Let  the  heavens  he  glad,  and  let  the  earth  rejoice.  .  .  . 
Let  the  field  exult,  and  all  that  is  therein:  then  shall  all 
the  trees  of  the  wood  sing  for  joy  before  the  Lord;  for  he 
Cometh,  .  .  .  he  shall  judge  the  world  with  right- 
eousness, and  the  peoples  with  his  truth. —  Psalm 
96  :  11. 

For  the  pleasant  fruits  of  earth  we  thank  thee. 
Father !  for  health  and  sunlit  days,  for  beauty  and 


1(38     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

for  music,  the  refuge  and  delight  of  home,  our 
strength  to  labor  and  our  refreshment  in  repose. 
Thou  art  the  sharer  of  our  joy  and  grief,  thy  love 
illumines  darkness  and  makes  our  burdens  light, 
gives  courage  for  overcoming,  sustains  our  hearts  in 
troubled  hours.  We  thank  thee  for  the  brotherhood 
of  men,  for  neighbors  in  the  social  life  of  earth,  for 
the  joy  of  friendship  in  which  thou  hast  thy  part; 
for  high  experiences  and  desires  and  for  deliverance 
from  our  lower  selves.  Assist  us  to  a  cheerful  and 
unfaltering  courage,  to  gratitude  and  childlike  faith, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  suffered  and 
enjoyed  that  he  might  lead  us  in  the  trials  of  this 
life  and  bring  us  home  to  thee.     Amen. 

August  7  —  A  Day  with  God 

He  that  confesseth  the  Son  hath  the  Father  also.  .  .  . 
If  that  which  ye  heard  from  the  beginning  abide  in 
you,  ye  also  shall  abide  in  the  So7i,  and  in  the  Father. 
And  this  is  the  promise  which  he  promised  us,  even 
the  life  eternal. —  1  John  2  :  23. 

In  my  morning  thoughts,  my  Father,  let  me  re- 
member that  I  am  to  walk  all  day  with  thee.  Open 
my  eyes  to  see  life's  opportunities  and  gifts  in  due 
proportion,  that  I  may  learn  to  choose  and  to  refuse 
according  to  thy  thought  of  good.  Break  the  charm 
of  every  false  lure  and  enable  me  to  weigh  the  claims 
of  every  pleasure.  Above  all,  my  Father,  permit  me 
to  be  of  service  in  thy  world  among  thy  children  and 
to  value  love  as  the  chief  gift  and  power.  Help  me 
to  self-mastery,  that  I  may  willingly  dedicate  my 
life  to  thee.  For  in  thy  Son  I  have  seen  most  love, 
most  joy  of  service,  most  self-giving  for  the  help  of 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     169 

men,  and  I  desire  with  all  my  heart  to  be  like  him. 
Abide  with  me  and  help  my  weakness  with  thy  might. 
To  this  end  endue  me  with  thy  Holy  Spirit  and  let 
my  life  show  forth  fruits  of  his  power.     Amen. 

August  8  —  In  Life's  Companionships 

Beloved,  let  us  love  one  another,  for  love  is  of  God; 
and  every  one  that  loveth  is  begotten  of  God,  and  knoiveth 
God.  He  that  loveth  not  knoweth  not  God;  for  God 
is  love.  Herein  was  the  love  of  God  manifested  in  us, 
that  God  sent  his  only-begotten  Son  into  the  world  that 
we  might  live  through  hiin.  —  1  John  If.  :  7. 

Lord,  we  desire  to  be  worthy  of  thy  gifts  and 
ready  for  the  fulfilment  of  thy  purpose  in  our  lives. 
Let  our  blessings  be  admonitions,  calling  us  to  walk 
more  worthily.  We  thank  thee  for  the  friendship 
thou  hast  offered  and  all  the  joy  of  fellowship  with 
men.  In  proportion  as  our  relations  are  intimate, 
teach  us  to  make  them  pure.  Show  us  thy  love  in 
the  eyes  of  those  who  love  us,  thy  help  in  the  help 
that  we  receive.  Finable  us  to  give,  even  as  thou 
hast  given,  delighting  in  opportunity  and  without 
delay,  lest  the  severing  night  should  fall.  So  be 
thou  ever  with  us  in  the  experience  of  affection  and 
grant  abundant  strength  and  joy  to  every  friend. 
Amen. 

August  9  —  The  Body's  Gifts 

Bid  if  the  Spirit  of  him  that  raised  up  Jesus  from 
the  dead  dwelleth  in  you  .  .  .  he  shall  also  quickeri 
your  mortal  bodies  by  his  Spirit  that  dwelleth  in  you. 
Therefore,  brethren,  we  are  debtors,  not  to  the  flesh,  to 
live  after  the  flesh. — Rom.  8  :  11. 


170     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Spirit  of  God,  who  dwellest  in  the  temple  of  our 
bodies,  give  us  reverence  for  their  purity  and 
strength,  that  we  may  ever  use  them  in  thy  service. 
We  thank  thee  for  the  gates  of  knowledge  which 
thou  hast  opened  for  us  on  the  world  —  for  sight 
and  touch  and  hearing  and  every  avenue  of  approach 
to  thy  ways  and  to  our  fellow  men.  Make  us  dili- 
gent scholars  in  thy  school  of  thought  and  work. 
Keep  us  from  the  sins  which  waste  and  defile  tli}' 
chosen  dwelling-place  —  from  slavery  to  passion, 
appetite  and  pride;  from  idleness  that  saps  the 
strength  of  the  heart;  from  anxiety  and  anger  which 
eat  out  vigor  of  the  mind.  Make  us  watchful 
against  evil,  patient  under  infirmities,  apt  to  use  our 
strength  in  wisdom.  So  bring  us  through  our 
years  of  pilgrimage  in  faith  and  cheerful  obedience. 
And  in  the  new  life  of  thy  presence  make  us  like  our 
risen  and  ascended  Lord.    Amen. 


August  10  —  Peace  in  Perplexity 

A  man's  goings  are  established  of  the  Lord;  and  he 
delighteth  in  his  way.  Though  he  fall,  he  shall  not 
be  utterly  cast  down;  for  the  Lord  upholdeth  him  ivith 
his  hand.  —  Psalm  37  :  23. 

Since  thou  alone  art  my  confidence,  0  Lord, 
and  my  security  amid  perplexities  of  thought 
about  the  world  where  thou  hast  sent  me,  strengthen 
my  faith  in  thy  love  and  wisdom,  that  I  may  with- 
stand all  moods  of  depression  and  go  upon  my  way 
with  a  serene  and  thankful  heart.  Let  me  live 
the  Christlike  life  of  communion  with  thee  and  of 
helpfulness  toward  men,  and  lot  the  peace  of  Christ 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     171 

dawn  in  my  spirit  and  grow  toward  the  full  light  of 
joy.  Remember,  0  Lord,  all  whose  faith  is  over- 
whelmed or  troubled  and  reveal  thyself  to  them  in 
personal  acquaintance  and  loving  confidence.  As- 
sure our  hearts  that  good-will  is  the  hidden  law 
while  evil  has  but  a  little  time  to  work.  So  let  our 
strength  increase  as  we  rest  our  hearts  in  thee.  In 
the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


August  11  —  Going  Forward 

Being  therefore  always  of  good  courage  .  .  .  (for 
we  walk  by  faith,  not  by  sight) :  we  are  of  good  courage, 
I  say,  and  are  willing  rather  to  be  absent  from  the 
body,  and  to  be  at  home  with  the  Lord.  Wherefore 
we  make  it  our  aim,  whether  at  home  or  absent,  to 
be  well-pleasing  unto  him.  —  2  Cor.  5  :  6. 

Lord,  when  thou  biddest  me  go  forward,  let  me 
not  draw  back  nor  be  afraid.  Choose  thou  my  way 
and  help  me  to  walk  in  it  with  settled  purpose. 
When  I  grow  weary,  let  the  assurance  of  thy  love  be 
rest.  When  the  yoke  seems  hard  to  bear,  teach  me 
that  it  is  thy  method  of  efficiency.  As  thou  hast 
trusted  me  with  life  and  work,  help  me  to  bring  my 
best  powers  to  each  task  I  have  in  hand  for  thee. 
Let  me  rejoice  in  opportunity  and  be  wholly  free 
from  anxiety  about  results.  Show  me  thine  own 
ideal  of  living  and  let  the  vision  never  fade  or  perish 
from  my  thought.  So  may  I  handle  the  affairs  of 
life  with  thought  for  others  and  continual  sense  of 
thy  presence  and  thy  care.  And  to  thee,  my  Father, 
be  praise  for  opportunity  and  strength  and  joy. 
Amen. 


172     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

August  12  —  The  World-Wide  Opportunity 

And  afterward  he  was  manifested  unto  the  eleve^i 
themselves  as  they  sat  at  meat;  and  he  upbraided  them 
with  their  unbelief  and  hardness  of  heart  because  they 
believed  not  them  that  had  see7i  him  after  he  was  risen. 
And  he  said  unto  them,  go  ye  into  all  the  world  and 
preach  the  good  tidings  to  the  whole  creation.  —  Mark 
16  :  U. 

With  joy  we  come  to  thee,  0  Lord,  remembering 
thy  message  of  love  and  mercy  to  the  world.  O 
thou  who  didst  so  love  men  as  to  give  thine  only 
begotten  Son,  we  bless  thee  that  thou  hast  made  us 
heralds  of  his  joj^ul  words.  Help  us  not  to  keep 
the  message  in  the  limits  of  our  home  or  land,  but  to 
give  it  forth  for  the  needs  of  the  whole  world. 
May  Christ's  love  constrain  us,  and  with  us  all  to 
whom  we  have  committed  work  too  large  or  distant 
for  our  own  hands  and  words.  We  thank  thee  for 
the  world-wide  opportunity  in  which  they  and  we 
are  brought  together  for  thy  work.  Take  thou  our 
gifts  and  prayers  and  make  them  effective  for  thy 
purposes.  Bless  with  power  and  joy  all  those  who 
labor  in  thy  name,  in  body  and  spirit;  in  their 
teaching  and  their  daily  life.  Bring  many  souls  to 
the  harvest  of  their  toil.  And  let  thy  kingdom 
come.     Amen. 

August  13  —  Our  Peace  and  Strength 

Answer  me  when  I  call,  0  God  of  my  righteousness; 
thou  hast  set  me  at  large  vjhen  I  was  in  distress:  be 
gracious  unto  me  and  hear  my  prayer.  .  .  .  But  know 
that  the  Lord  hath  set  apart  him  that  is  godly  for  him- 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     173 
self:  the  Lord  will  hear  when  I  call  unto  him. —  Psalm 

Thou  ever-loving  Helper  in  our  time  of  need,  hear 
when  we  cry  to  thee  and  give  us  of  thy  peace  and 
strength.  Our  refuge,  our  deUght,  the  satisfaction 
of  our  desirous  hearts,  hide  not  thy  face  from  us. 
Make  us  joyful  in  thy  presence  all  day  long,  patient 
to  serve  and  wait,  strong  in  the  faith,  as  becometh 
those  who  are  called  by  the  name  of  Christ.  Teach 
us  to  pray,  revealing  in  our  hearts  thy  purpose  for 
our  lives  and  for  the  world.  Pardon,  uphold  and 
use  us  for  the  coming  of  thy  kingdom,  increasing 
confidence  and  deepening  love.  So  make  us  daily 
more  like  thee  in  will  and  word,  for  help  of  others 
and  to  the  honor  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


August  14  —  Self-Mastery 

But  thou,  0  man  of  God,  .  .  .  follow  after  righteous- 
ness, godliness,  faith,  love,  patience,  meekness.  Fight 
the  good  fight  of  the  faith,  lay  hold  on  the  life  eternal, 
ivhereunto  thou  wast  called,  and  didst  confess  the  good 
confession  in  the  sight  of  many  witnesses. —  1  Tim. 
6:11. 

Let  me,  0  Lord,  be  master  of  myself  in  an  ordered 
and  helpful  life,  by  thine  assistance  and  to  the  honor 
of  thy  name.  Let  no  sin  have  dominion  over  me,  to 
bar  the  way  of  thy  coming  and  cheat  me  out  of  the 
bounty  of  thy  love  and  the  peace  of  thine  abiding. 
To  this  end  give  me  a  joyful  and  conquering  faith 
that  I  may  take  life  seriously  as  my  appointed  school 
of  purity  and  strength.  Suffer  me  not  to  postpone 
my  struggle  with  the  evil  powers  within,  but,  calling 


174     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

on  thy  alliance,  let  me  renew  this  moment  my  en- 
deavor, which,  by  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  shall 
become  a  transformation  into  the  image  of  my  Re- 
deemer and  Example,  Christ.  And  with  each  day's 
need  and  victory,  the  praise  be  thine,  my  helper  and 
my  shield.     Amen. 


August  15  —  The  Claims  of  Brotherhood 

Behold  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren 

to  dwell  together  in  unity!    It  is  .  .  .  like  the  dew  of 

Hermon,  that  cometh  down  upon  the  mountains  of 

Zion :  for  there  the  Lord  commanded  the  blessing,  even 

life  for  evermore. —  Psalm  133  : 1. 

Enter  not  into  judgment  with  us,  0  Lord,  though 
we  have  too  often  sinned  against  thee  in  uncharitable 
thought  and  word.  Forgive  us,  in  thy  mercy,  that  we 
have  spoken  of  our  neighbors  without  kindness, 
while  thou  hast  ever  dealt  with  us  in  long-suffering 
compassion.  Help  us  to  seek  truth  and  study  right- 
eousness, but  make  us  rather  unsparing  with  our- 
selves than  swift  to  mark  the  faults  of  others,  and 
enable  us  to  speak  the  truth  in  love.  Teach  us  to 
honor  the  good  name  of  other  men  as  we  would  our 
own,  to  rejoice  in  their  prosperity,  to  feel  and  cher- 
ish every  claim  of  brotherhood  and  every  oppor- 
tunity of  kindness.  Cleanse  our  hearts  from  every 
trace  of  malice,  hatred  and  uncharitableness,  and 
use  us  for  thy  service  day  by  day,  enabling  us  to 
forgive  as  we  would  be  forgiven  and  to  bless  as  we 
desire  thy  blessing.    In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     175 

August  16  —  Joy  of  the  Childlike  Heart 

The  Lord  is  the  portion  of  my  inheritance  and  of  my 
cup:  thou  maintainest  my  lot.  The  lines  are  fallen 
unto  me  in  pleasant  places;  yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heri- 
tage. I  will  bless  the  Lord,  who  hath  given  me  counsel; 
yea,  my  heart  instructeth  me  in  the  night  seasons. — 
Psalm  16  : 5. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ  who  didst  begin  thy  work  as  a 
weak  and  helpless  babe  and  through  the  experiences 
of  childhood  earnest  to  thy  strength,  bless,  we  be- 
seech thee,  all  little  children  and  grant  them  joy  and 
strength.  May  the  teachable  and  joyful  spirit  of 
childhood  which  thou  hast  made  the  true  mark  of 
thy  kingdom  become  the  portion  of  all  thy  dis- 
ciples. As  thou  didst  live  for  others,  giving  thy 
strength  to  bless  and  heal,  may  it  become  our  joy 
to  follow  thy  example.  Let  thy  glory  illumine  every 
home  and  every  friendship.  Light  of  the  world, 
whose  dawning  is  our  hope  and  joy,  so  dwell  in  us 
and  overflow  through  us  that  the  world  may  be 
brighter  for  our  life.  And  hasten  the  full  splendor 
of  that  day  of  peace  of  which  the  angels  sang. 
Let  our  eyes  see  it,  let  our  hearts  experience  it,  in 
the  delight  and  fellowship  of  thy  love.     Amen. 


August  17  —  Lovers  of  Truth 

Behold  thou  desirest  truth  in  the  inward  parts;  and 
in  the  hidden  part  thou  wilt  make  me  to  know  wisdom. 
Purify  me  with  hyssop,  and  I  shall  be  clean;  wash  me, 
and  I  shall  be  whiter  than  snow.  .  .  .  Create  in  me  a 
clean  heart,  0  God;  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me, 
—  Psalm  51  :  6. 


176     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Thou  who  ever  speakest  truth  and  keepest  faith 
with  men,  our  Father  and  our  Friend,  help  us  with 
all  our  hearts  to  love  sincerity  and  loathe  falsehood. 
Teach  us  to  be  true  in  little  things,  in  thoughts  of 
the  heart  and  words  of  the  lips.  Help  us  to  avoid 
the  little  insincerities  which  make  so  large  a  part  of 
life's  temptations,  to  conform  our  words  to  thine 
own  test  of  yea  and  nay,  to  deliver  our  souls  from  the 
snare  of  petty  lying.  Yet  enable  us  to  remember 
charity  and  kindliness  that  we  may  speak  the  truth 
in  love,  rather  omitting  utterance  than  forgetting 
patience  and  consideration.  Show  us  the  truth  that 
makes  man  free,  and  let  it  burn  as  beacon  and  as 
invitation  in  our  lives.  And  give  us  joy  that  clouds 
of  falsehood  never  come  between  our  hearts  and 
thine.    Through  Christ  whose  word  is  truth.  Amen. 


August  18  —  Unselfishness 

Yea,  all  of  you  gird  yourselves  with  humility,  to 
serve  one  another;  for  God  resisteth  the  proud,  but 
giveth  grace  to  the  humble.  .  .  .  And  the  God  of  all 
grace,  who  called  you  unto  his  eternal  glory  in  Christ, 
after  that  ye  have  suffered  a  little  while,  shall  himself 
perfect,  stablish,  strengthen  you.  —  1  Pet.  5  :  5. 

Teach  us  unselfishness,  0  thou  who  hast  given  us 
joy  and  strength  in  earth's  labors  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Reveal  thyself,  that  we  may  know 
what  love  is,  0  thou  who  hast  sought  us  and  in 
whom  alone  is  the  fulfilment  of  our  heart's  desire. 
Let  not  blind  and  foolish  love  of  self  enthrall  us. 
Turn  our  eyes  away  from  coveting,  our  thoughts  from 
self-deception  and  our  hearts  from  pride.     Keep  us 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     177 

from  a  feigned  humility,  but  give  us  true  lowliness 
of  mind.  Enable  us  to  get  self  out  of  the  way  of  self, 
that  we  may  give  and  not  ask,  have  patience  and 
not  claim  it,  seek  reality  and  hate  illusion,  labor  for 
the  coming  of  thy  kingdom  and  not  for  the  sweetness 
of  man's  praise.  So,  Lord,  let  thy  life  be  born 
within  us  and  grow  to  power  and  in  thy  mercy  use 
our  gifts  to  help  the  revelation  of  thy  love.     Amen. 


August  19  —  Good  Stewards  of  God's  Gifts 

Above  all  things  being  fervent  in  your  love  among 
yourselves;  for  love  cover eth  a  multitude  of  sins: 
using  hospitality  one  to  another  without  murmuring: 
according  as  each  hath  received  a  gift,  ministering  it 
among  yourselves,  as  good  stewards  of  the  manifold 
grace  of  God.  —  1  Pet.  4  .*  8. 

0  Thou,  true  Wealth  and  Hope  of  men,  our 
Father  and  the  Fountain  of  all  truth  and  grace, 
help  us  to  use  what  thou  hast  given  us  of  earthly 
good  for  righteousness  and  the  upbuilding  of  thy 
kingdom.  Take  entire  possession  that  our  hearts 
may  not  be  set  upon  any  gift  which  belongs  wholly 
to  the  earth.  Teach  us  to  manage  our  affairs  as 
thy  steward,  that  our  thrift  may  not  become  a  curse 
either  to  us  or  to  thy  poor.  Let  us  not  be  lavish, 
lest  we  lose  an  opportunity  of  power,  or  mean,  lest 
we  bear  false  witness  to  thy  work  in  us;  or  careless, 
lest  we  hurt  where  we  desire  to  bless.  Let  not  the 
love  of  money  become  a  root  of  evil  in  our  hearts 
and  to  this  end  give  us  a  great  love  for  the  mercy 
and  brotherly  kindness  revealed  in  the  life  and  death 
of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


178     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

August  20  —  Wisdom  from  Experience 

All  chastening  seemeth  for  the  present  to  be  not 
joyous  but  grievous;  yet  afterward  it  yieldeth  peaceable 
fruit  unto  them  that  have  been  exercised  thereby,  even 
the  fruit  of  righteousness.  Wherefore  lift  up  the 
hands  that  hang  down,  and  the  palsied  knees;  and 
make  straight  paths  for  your  feet,  that  that  which  is 
lame  be  not  turned  out  of  the  way,  but  rather  be  healed. 
—  Heb.  12:11. 

Let  grief  and  pain  bring  vision,  0  thou  Giver  of 
all  good  to  men,  that  we  may  see  thy  face  in  our 
distress  as  of  a  near  and  sympathizing  friend. 
When  the  clouds  gather,  let  thy  light  shine  clear. 
When  the  earth  fails,  assure  us  of  our  inheritance  in 
Christ,  begun  already  and  eternal  in  the  heavens. 
Let  neither  tears  nor  laughter  blind  our  eyes,  lest 
we  should  miss  the  tokens  of  thy  presence  in  the 
changes  of  our  time  and  the  dear  sense  of  fellowship 
with  all  our  brothers  of  the  common  hope  and  joy. 

0  thou  who  art  ever  with  us  to  uplift  and  comfort 
and  inspire,  show  us  more  perfectly  the  meaning  of 
earth's  life  that  we  may  be  devoted  to  the  larger 
service  and  the  higher  love.  So  redeem  us  from  all 
evil  that  we  may  serve  thee  joyfully.  In  the  name 
of  Christ.     Amen. 

August  21  —  A  Stalwart  Faith 

Watch  ye,  stand  fast  in  the  faith,  quit  you  like 
men,  be  strong.    Let  all  that  ye  do  be  done  in  love.  — 

1  Cor.  16  :  13. 

For  the  strength  Thou  givest  and  that  comes  from 
thee  alone  we  ask  in  the  name  of  him  who  was  the 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     179 

Son  of  Man,  our  brother  and  our  friend.  Let  us 
not  be  weaklings  in  the  earth,  crippled  with  sin, 
blind  with  self-love,  deaf  to  the  higher  voices,  un- 
ready when  our  opportunity  appears.  Strengthen 
us  mth  might  in  the  inner  man  that  we  may  be 
alert  for  thy  confide^ce  and  effective  instruments 
of  thy  purpose.  We  would  be  strong  for  thee,  that 
we  may  do  thy  will:  strong  for  others,  that  we  may 
serve  our  generation  while  the  day  lasts:  strong  in 
faith  and  clear  in  purpose,  looking  out  upon  .the 
world  with  open  eyes  and  hearts  exalted  by  our 
sympathy  with  men.  So  may  we  bear  true  witness 
of  thy  presence  with  us.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

August  22  —  The  Holy  City 

He  that  overcometh,  I  will  make  him  a  pillar  in  the 
temple  of  my  God,  and  he  shall  go  out  thence  no  more: 
and  I  will  write  upon  him  the  name  of  my  God,  and 
the  name  of  the  city  of  my  God,  the  new  Jerusalem, 
which  Cometh  down  out  of  heaven  from  my  God,  and 
mine  own  new  name.  —  Rev.  3  :  12. 

Give  me  some  part,  my  Father,  in  making  ready 
for  the  coming  of  thy  holy  city  in  the  earth.  Give 
me  vision,  lest  I  spend  myself  in  transitory  things. 
Open  my  eyes  to  see  thee  present  with  thy  people, 
that  I  may  keep  a  cheerful  and  courageous  faith 
through  aU  perplexing  experiences.  Make  my 
heart  serene  and  strong,  as  befits  a  citizen  of  thy 
dwelling-place  that  even  now  is  coming  down  from 
heaven  to  earth.  Kindle  in  my  thoughts  a  whole- 
some discontent  with  folly  and  a  righteous  anger 
with  injustice  jfnd  neglect  that  spoil  Christ's  in- 


180     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

heritance  in  man.  And  let  the  song  of  the  heavenly 
Jerusalem  echo  in  the  joy  of  my  heart  as  I  go  about 
thy  work.  Let  the  full  triumph  come  when  thou 
wilt,  but  let  me  joyfully  remember  that  the  time 
of  thy  desire  and  my  endeavor  is  today.  In  the 
name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

August  23  —  Sustaining  Strength 

As  for  me,  I  will  call  upon  God;  and  the  Lord  will 
save  me.  .  .  .  God  will  hear,  and  answer  them,  even 
He  that  abideth  of  old.  .  .  .  Cast  thy  burden  upon 
the  Lord,  and  he  will  sustain  thee.  He  will  never 
suffer  the  righteous  to  be  moved.  —  Psalm  65  :  16. 

Source  of  all  power  and  light,  our  Father  in 
heaven,  we  thank  thee  for  the  sustaining  strength 
which  thou  hast  ever  afforded  us  and  by  which 
we  are  kept  from  hour  to  hour.  With  desirous 
hearts  we  turn  to  thee  for  help  to  follow  thy  com- 
mandments and  to  fulfil  thy  thought  of  what  our 
life  should  be.  Open  our  eyes  to  see.  Give  pa- 
tience in  doubt  and  trouble.  Uphold  us  with 
tenacity  of  courage  that  we  may  devote  ourselves 
willingly  to  all  that  thou  hast  given  us  to  do.  Let 
us  not  tremble  and  grow  faint  before  the  forces  of 
the  world.  0  thou,  our  Refuge  and  our  Hope,  for 
thine  own  name's  sake  suffer  us  not  to  fall  or  be 
discouraged,  but  let  thy  mercj^  strengthen  us  con- 
tinually with  the  joy  of  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

August  24  —  Our  Pilot 

And  behold  there  arose  a  great  tempest  in  the  sea, 
insomuch  that  the  boat  was  covered  with  the  waves: 
but  he  was  asleep.    And  they  came  ta  him,  and  awoke 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     181 

hiiti,  saying,  Save,  Lord;  we  perish.  And  he  saith 
unto  them,  Why  are  ye  fearful,  0  ye  of  little  faith? 
Then  he  arose,  and  rebuked  the  winds  and  the  sea; 
and  there  was  a  great  calm.  —  Matt.  8  :  24- 

Lord,  be  thou  our  Pilot  and  shape  our  course  what 
way  thou  wilt.  Give  us  cheerful  courage  and  never 
let  us  go  moping  to  our  trials.  Be  thou  our  Light 
and  our  Salvation  and  we  shall  never  doubt  our 
safe  arrival  at  thy  chosen  port  of  joy.  Let  sunshine 
and  clear  weather  remind  us  of  thy  pleasure  in  our 
joy,  and  when  the  storm  breaks,  help  us  to  remember 
that  it  drives  us  faster  home.  Make  our  cheer  de- 
pend upon  thy  presence  and  not  upon  what  the  day 
gives  in  outward  seeming.  And  help  us  to  be  faith- 
ful workers  and  good  companions  of  the  voyage  with 
thee.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


August  25  —  In  the  Morning  Watch 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  thy  Redeemer  .  .  .  who 
teacheth  thee  to  profit,  who  leadeth  thee  by  the  way  that 
thou  shouldest  go.  0  that  thou  hadst  hearkened  to 
my  cominandments ;  then  had  thy  peace  been  as  a 
river,  and  thy  righteousness  as  the  waves  of  the  sea.  — 
Is.  48  :  17. 

Joy  of  the  loving  heart,  0  God  our  Saviour  who 
hast  filled  our  lips  with  song,  in  the  morning  we 
would  wake  with  thee.  Give  strength  for  toil,  and 
hope  in  sorrow.  Purify  our  hearts,  that  with  all 
thy  gifts  we  may  have  more  of  thee.  Thou  very 
present  help  and  leader  of  our  souls,  show  us  more  of 
thyself,  that  we  may  study  to  do  thy  will  upon  the 
earth.     Aid  and  enable  us  to  walk  before  thee  in 


182     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

faith  and  joyful  obedience.  Open  our  eyes  to  judge 
between  good  and  ill  and  between  the  lesser  and  the 
greater  things.  Let  no  false  word  or  enticing  deceit 
mislead  us,  or  any  vain  and  distant  hope  withdraw 
our  thoughts  from  present  dutj^  So,  by  thy  Spirit 
working  in  our  hearts,  transform  our  weak  desires 
and  faint  beliefs  into  the  strength  of  faithfulness, 
and  build  us  anew  in  the  image  of  thy  Son.  In  his 
name.     Amen. 

August  26  —  Clear  Vision 

And  he  opened  the  book  and  found  the  place  where 
it  was  written,  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  me, 
because  he  anointed  me  to  preach  good  tidings  to  the 
poor:  he  hath  sent  me  to  proclaim  release  to  the 
captives  and  recovering  of  sight  to  the  blind  .  .  .  to 
proclaim  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord. — Luke 
4:17;  Is.  61  : 1. 

Lord,  deliver  us  from  our  illusions  —  from  the 
deceit  of  the  flesh,  the  glamor  of  the  world,  the 
snares  of  temptation.  Help  us  to  see  all  clearly, 
as  thou  seest,  in  right  form  and  true  relations. 
Let  us  not  mistake  good  for  evil,  or  the  lesser  for 
the  higher  good  of  life.  Yet,  Lord,  keep  for  us  the 
simplicities  of  childhood  and  the  poetry  of  the 
common  life.  May  the  teaching  of  experience  in 
this  school  of  thine  own  ordering  on  earth  confirm 
our  faith,  increase  our  knowledge  of  thy  purposes  of 
love  and  glorify  our  visions.  Let  not  our  hearts 
grow  cold  or  our  thoughts  hard,  as  we  see  through 
masks  and  shams  to  the  reality  of  life.  For  of  thee 
and  of  thy  love  and  truth  comes  all  charm  as  well 
as  all  reality.     Show  us  these  high  beauties  of  the 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     183 

earth  and  fit  us  by  them  to  enjoy  thy  nobler  gifts 
of  beauty  and  of  love  when  we  go  hence  to  dwell 
in  thy  house  forevermore.  Through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


August  27  —  Our  Need  of  God 

/  will  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  hills,  from  whence 
Cometh  my  help.  My  help  co7neth  from  the  Lord, 
which  made  heaven  and  earth.  He  will  not  suffer 
thy  foot  to  be  moved:  he  that  keepeth  thee  will  not 
slumber.  —  Psalm  121  : 1. 

Touch  our  hearts,  0  God  our  Father,  with  a  deep 
sense  of  our  continuing  need  of  thee.  0  thou  who 
art  the  life  of  our  life,  we  desire  to  know  thee  and  to 
taste  the  comfort  of  thy  presence.  In  the  hour  of 
our  distress  uphold  us.  Let  thy  blessing  come  to 
all  petitioning  souls,  granting  that  which  they  need 
according  to  the  measure  of  thy  foreseeing  love. 
Purge  our  hearts  of  all  selfish  wishes,  that  we  may 
draw  near  in  the  full  confidence  of  children.  Deliver 
us  and  all  men,  we  beseech  thee,  from  hate  and 
cruelty.  Let  our  war-stricken  earth  become  the 
kingdom  of  thy  Son  our  Lord.  And  by  the  in- 
dwelling and  communion  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  teach  us 
how  to  pray  and  how  to  live  in  the  way  of  thy 
commandments.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


August  28  —  Our  Source  of  Strength 

For  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  run  to  and  fro  throughout  the 
whole  earth,  to  show  himself  strong  in  the  behalf  of 
them  whose  heart  is  perfect  toward  him. —  2  Chr.  16  :  9. 


184     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Still  be  thou,  Lord,  our  refuge  and  our  resting- 
place,  the  fountain  of  our  strength,  the  source  of  our 
delight.  Help  us  to  abide  in  thy  presence  and  show 
forth  thy  power.  Forgive  our  lapses  into  selfishness 
and  our  forgettings,  and  let  the  glory  of  the  life 
which  thou  hast  given  us  to  share  keep  us  from 
love  of  sin.  Enlarge  our  sympathies  that  we  may 
understand  the  thoughts  of  our  companions  in  the 
way.  Teach  us  to  be  just  and  considerate  with  all 
men  and  brotherly  in  thought  of  our  fellow-disciples. 
And  may  the  divine  example  of  our  Lord  work  in  us 
a  spirit  of  reverence  and  a  desire  of  holiness,  that  we 
may  be  children  of  the  loving  Father  who  sent  him 
as  healer  and  leader  into  our  troubled  and  sinning 
world.  And  these  things  we  ask  in  his  name. 
Amen. 

August  29  —  Our  Own  Place  and  Work 

For  I  say,  through  the  grace  that  ivas  given  unto  me, 
to  every  man  that  is  among  you,  not  to  think  of  himself 
more  highly  than  he  ought  to  think;  but  so  to  think  as 
to  think  soberly,  according  as  God  hath  dealt  to  each 
man  a  measure  of  faith.  For  even  as  we  have  many 
members  in  one  body,  and  all  the  members  have  not  the 
same  office;  so  we,  who  are  many,  are  one  body  in 
Christ,  and  severally  members  one  of  another. — 
Rom.  12  :  3. 

Give  us,  0  Lord,  our  own  true  place  and  work  on 
earth.  Listen  not  to  our  vain  wish  that  leans  so 
quickly  to  presumption,  but  give  according  to  thine 
own  wise  thought  and  love.  Choose  not  too  large  a 
place,  lest  we  be  brought  to  shame  before  thee.  Give 
not  too  small  a  place,  lest  we  fail  in  that  full  measure 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     185 

of  service  which  is  due.  Choose  thou,  and  fit  us  to 
the  work  which  thou  shaft  choose.  Help  us  to  have 
large  ambitions  of  fidelity  and  minds  at  peace  in 
faith.  May  we  enjoy  our  w^ork,  knowing  that 
strength  and  wisdom  are  of  thee  and  that  thou  re- 
joicest  in  thy  children's  joy.  And  may  this  life, 
spent  in  the  way  of  thine  appointment,  fit  us  for  that 
place  which  Christ  our  Lord  has  gone  to  prepare. 
Amen. 

August  30  —  Heart  Confidence 

My  sheep  hear  my  voice,  and  I  know  them,  and  they 
follow  me:  and  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life;  and  they 
shall  never  perish,  and  no  one  shall  snatch  them  out  of 
my  hand.  My  Father,  who  hath  given  them  unto  me, 
is  greater  than  all,  and  no  one  is  able  to  snatch  aught 
out  of  my  Father's  hand. —  John  10  :  27 . 

Father  in  heaven,  who  ever  makest  provision  for 
thy  children's  need,  be  with  us  in  all  hours  of  weari- 
ness. Cure  our  disheartenments  by  the  medicine  of 
our  glad  remembrance  of  thy  care.  In  the  day  of  our 
foreboding,  be  thou  our  refuge  and  content.  0 
thou  who  speakest  to  our  hearts  in  solitude,  help  us 
to  turn  away  from  the  tumults  and  excitements  of 
the  world,  though  it  be  but  for  a  moment,  that  we 
may  listen  for  thy  voice  and  learn  thy  will,  and  give 
our  hearts  anew  into  thy  keeping.  Uphold  and  de- 
fend us  in  work  and  trial,  and  deliver  us  from  trou- 
ble for  thy  name's  sake.  So  plan  thou  our  lot,  and 
so  reveal  thyself  in  our  hearts,  that  we  may  be 
ready  to  follow  thee  wherever  thou  goest  with 
fearless  hearts  of  faith.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 


186     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 


August  31  —  God  Our  Rest 

Come  and  hear,  all  ye  that  fear  God,  and  I  will  de- 
clare what  he  hath  done  for  my  soul.  .  .  .  If  I  had  re- 
garded iniquity  in  my  heart,  the  Lord  would  not  hear: 
hut  verily  God  hath  heard;  .  .  .  Blessed  be  God,  who 
hath  not  turned  away  my  prayer,  nor  his  loving  kind- 
ness from  me. —  Psalm  66  :  16. 

Speak  to  us,  0  God,  in  words  of  calm  and  power 
that  the  troubled  sea  of  our  desires  and  griefs  may 
be  at  rest.  We  have  striven  and  failed.  We  have 
climbed  and  fallen,  we  have  hoped  and  been  disap- 
pointed, but  we  thank  thee  that  we  have  never 
sought  for  thee  with  our  whole  heart  but  we  have 
found  thee  close  at  hand.  May  all  our  purest  and 
most  intimate  affections  speak  to  us  of  thine  en- 
during, all-embracing  love.  When  we  are  weary, 
teach  us  to  remember  that  thou  weariest  not.  When 
we  have  failed  lead  us  to  take  refuge  in  the  thought 
of  thy  long-suffering  pity  and  enduring  righteous- 
ness. When  we  are  overburdened  and  distressed, 
lift  thou  up  our  hearts  to  thee.  In  all  experiences 
let  thy  completion  meet  and  sustain  our  incomple- 
tion.  Everywhere  add  gift  to  gift  until  our  hearts 
are  glad.  So  hold  us,  Lord,  above  the  level  of  our 
doubts  and  fears,  so  quicken  us  to  childlike  trust,  so 
glorify  thyself  in  us  through  work  and  pleasure,  life 
and  death,  that  we  may  share  the  peace  of  God  that 
passeth  understanding.  In  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ,  whom  thou  hast  made  our  peace.    Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     187 

September  1  —  The  Duties  of  a  Man 

Then  the  Lord  answered  Job  out  of  the  whirlwind 
and  said,  Gird  up  thy  loins  now  like  a  mari:  I  will  de- 
mand of  thee  and  declare  thou  unto  7ne. —  Job  Ifi  :  6. 

He  hath  showed  thee,  0  man,  what  is  good,  and 
what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly, 
and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God. 
—  Micah  6  :  8. 

Lord,  thou  hast  made  me  a  man;  by  thy  favor  and 
assistance  help  me  to  become  a  man  after  thine  own 
heart,  strong,  just,  fearless,  resolute,  considerate 
and  kind.  Make  me  like  Christ  in  steadfast  purpose 
and  in  brotherhood  toward  men.  Give  me  thy  light 
for  guidance  on  my  way,  and  let  thy  presence  be  my 
resort  and  confidence  in  weariness.  Give  me  some- 
thing of  the  adventurous  soul  of  youth,  but  increase 
in  my  heart  that  wisdom  which  thy  Holy  Spirit 
teaches.  Give  me  friends  in  whose  companionship 
I  may  both  help  and  learn.  Let  me  become  a  sharer 
of  thy  thoughts  and  give  me  that  part  which  thou 
hast  chosen  for  me  in  the  building  of  thy  kingdom. 
So  let  me  have  a  man's  place  before  thee,  whether 
through  life  or  death.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

September  2  —  Transforming  Drudgery 

And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying.  See,  I 
have  called  by  name  Bezalel  the  son  of  Uri,  the  son  of 
Hur,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah:  and  I  have  filled  him  with 
the  Spirit  of  God,  in  wisdom  and  in  understanding 
and  in  knowledge,  and  in  all  maimer  of  workmanship. 
—Ex.  31  : 1. 

What  mean   such   mighty  works   wrought  by   his 


188     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

hands?  Is  not  this  the  carpeyiter,  the  son  of  Mary? 
and  .  .  .  are  not  his  sisters  here  with  usf  —  Mark 
6:2. 

Lord  of  the  eventful  and  the  uneventful  days, 
who  art  ever  with  us,  so  shape  the  voyage  of  our  life 
in  calm  and  storm  that  we  may  come  at  last  to  the 
port  of  thy  eternal  peace,  free  from  all  evil  and  cured 
of  fear.  We  ask  thee,  in  remembrance  of  our 
Lord's  still  years  in  Nazareth,  that  thou  wouldst 
keep  us  faithful,  even  as  he,  in  all  the  duties  of  our 
calling  and  the  relations  in  which  we  live  with 
men.  Transfigure  drudgery  by  the  glory  of  thy 
presence.  Uplift  all  the  needful  lowlinesses  of  our 
daily  service  into  the  air  of  heaven,  where  it  is  thy 
children's  joy  to  do  thy  will.  Accept  the  sacrifice 
of  our  renunciations  and  thanksgivings  and  satisfy 
our  hearts  with  love  and  sustaining  in  our  times  of 
fear.  So  teach  us  to  rest  in  thee,  not  seeking  things 
too  high  for  us,  but  reaching  forth  in  faith  and  hope 
toward  the  fulfilment  of  thy  purpose  in  the  world. 
Amen. 

September  3  —  Life  without  Anxiety 

For  this  is  as  the  waters  of  Noah  unto  me;  for  as  I 
have  sworn  that  the  waters  of  Noah  shall  no  more  go 
over  the  earth ,  so  have  I  sworn  that  I  will  not  he  wroth 
with  thee  nor  rebuke  thee.  For  the  mountains  may 
depart,  and  the  hills  be  removed;  but  my  lovingkindness 
shall  not  depart  from  thee,  neither  shall  my  covenant 
of  peace  be  removed,  saith  the  Lord  that  hath  mercy 
upon  thee.  —  Is.  54  •'  9. 

0  God,  who  carest  for  us  with  a  father's  love,  we 
come  in  our  necessity  of  sin  and  weakness  to  ask 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     189 

provision  for  this  day  and  faith  to  rest  our  hearts  on 
thee  for  all  the  years.  We  would  learn  to  live  with- 
out anxiety,  even  as  Christ  required.  Feed  us 
with  bread  sufficient  for  us.  Help  us  to  take  thy 
gifts  with  thankful  hearts,  not  complaining  that 
they  are  too  little,  but  seeking  in  them  the  full  joy 
and  good  thou  hast  intended  for  us.  We  thank 
thee  for  yesterday,  when  thou  didst  sustain  us. 
We  bless  thee  for  thy  presence  today  and  for  the 
assurance  of  thine  unceasing  love  and  care.  We  seek 
thy  presence  and  thy  blessing  for  the  days  to  come. 
0  thou  who  completest  our  insufficiency  and  fillest 
up  the  measure  of  our  need  with  punctual  and  un- 
failing good,  reveal  thyself  and  let  thy  kingdom 
come!     In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

September  4  —  The  Coining  of  Good  Will 

Who  is  wise  and  understanding  among  you?  let 
him  show  by  his  good  life  his  works  in  meekness  of 
wisdom.  .  .  .  But  the  wisdom  that  is  from  above  is 
first  pure,  then  peaceable,  gentle,  easy  to  be  entreated, 
full  of  mercy  and  good  fruits,  withoid  variance,  with- 
out hypocrisy.  And  the  fruit  of  righteousness  is 
sown  in  peace  for  them  that  make  peace.  —  James 
3  :  13. 

0  Lord,  we  thank  thee  for  thy  wondrous  gift 
of  love  and  divine  mercy  and  new  hope  and  a  con- 
tinuing comradeship  with  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son 
our  Lord.  Let  his  coming  in  our  hearts  bring  joy 
and  gladness  as  when  the  angels  sang  above  the 
fields  of  the  shepherds  and  Mary  watched  the  wise 
men  at  the  cradle  of  the  child.  Teach  us  the  lesson 
of  good  will  that  was  proclaimed  when  he  gave  his 


190     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

life  for  men,  and  enable  us  to  make  our  lives  a  gift 
of  helpful  service.  Forgive  us  all  withholdings  of 
our  hearts  and  hands  in  which  we  have  denied  com- 
panionship with  the  ministrant  life  of  Christ,  and 
enable  us  to  be  constant  and  patient  in  our  thoughts 
for  others.  So  let  our  work  be  approved  in  thy  sight 
and  our  joy  abound  as  a  witness  to  the  world  of  thy 
great  gift.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

September  5  —  The  Honor  of  Work 

Let  your  loins  he  girded  about,  and  your  lamps 
burning;  and  be  ye  yourselves  like  unto  men  looking 
for  their  lord.  .  .  .  Blessed  are  those  servants  whoin 
the  lord  when  he  cometh  shall  find  watching;  verily  I 
say  unto  you,  that  he  shall  gird  himself,  and  make 
them  sit  down  to  meat,  and  shall  come  and  serve  them. 
—  Luke  12  :35. 

Father,  whose  will  it  was  that  thy  dear  Son  should 
be  born  to  poverty  and  that  he  should  work  with  his 
own  hands  for  bread,  we  thank  thee  for  the  honor 
thou  hast  paid  to  the  estate  of  labor  in  which  we  also 
have  our  part.  As  love  of  those  for  whom  he  toiled 
brought  Jesus  heart's  content;  as  he  grew  wearA^ 
and  found  rest  sweet;  as  all  experience  brought  him 
near  to  thee;  so  may  we  also,  through  thy  loving 
care,  have  cheer  in  toil  and  rest  of  heart.  Though 
our  reward  be  little,  let  sharing  make  it  sweet. 
May  we  take  thy  gifts  with  thankfulness  in  all 
simplicity  of  faith  and  confidence  of  hope.  Keep 
our  souls  clean  of  covetousness.  Increase  our  de- 
light in  thee  that  we  may  cease  to  envy  others  to 
whom  thou  hast  given  the  lesser  gifts  in  larger 
measure.     So  may  our  joy  bear  witness  and  our 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     191 

honest  labor  recommend  our  Lord.    And  pardon  our 
transgressions  for  his  sake.     Amen. 

September  6  —  For  Social  Justice 

Woe  unto  him  that  buildeth  his  house  by  unrighteous- 
ness .  .  .  that  useth  his  neighbor's  service  without 
wages,  and  giveth  him  not  his  hire.  .  .  .  Shalt  thou 
reign  because  thou  viest  with  the  cedar?  Did  not  tMj 
father  eat  and  drink,  and  do  justice  and  righteousness? 
then  it  was  well  with  him.  He  judged  the  cause  of  the 
poor  and  needy;  then  it  was  well.  Was  not  this  to  know 
me?  saith  the  Lord.— Jer.  22  :  13. 

0  God  most  merciful,  teach  us  to  be  considerate, 
just  and  true  in  all  relations  with  our  neighbors. 
Bring  our  hearts  in  willing  obedience  under  thy  law 
of  fellow-service  and  good  will.  Guard  our  thoughts 
and  acts,  lest  we  have  part  in  the  oppression  of  the 
poor  or  in  refusal  of  justice  to  those  who  have  had 
lesser  opportunities  than  ours.  May  the  uplift  of  all 
the  people  be  our  innermost  desire.  Make  us  good 
workmen,  good  neighbors,  seeking  gain  for  others 
as  well  as  for  ourselves,  patient  under  trials,  rejoicing 
in  the  promise  of  thy  kingdom  and  seeking  its  ful- 
filment in  the  brotherhood  of  men.  Deliver  our  na- 
tion from  envy,  coveting  and  hatred,  and  help  us 
to  use  all  thou  hast  given  us  for  the  good  of  all.  In 
the  name  of  Christ  our  Brother.     Amen. 

September  7  —  The  Transforming  Spirit 

And  again  he  said,  W hereunto  shall  I  liken  the 
kingdom  of  God?  It  is  like  unto  leaven,  which  a 
woman  took  and  hid  in  three  measures  of  meal,  till  it 
ivas  all  leavened. —  Luke  13  :  20. 


192     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Spirit  of  the  Living  God,  thou  Master  Builder  of 
the  redeemed  and  holy  character  of  men,  dwell  in 
my  heart,  I  pray  thee,  and  transform  my  will  until 
it  seeks  the  highest  good  of  all.  Control  and  purify 
my  affections,  until  thy  love  finds  echo  in  my  love 
and  all  my  friendships  are  glorified.  Direct  my 
thoughts,  until  they  reflect  thy  thoughts  as  in  a 
serene  and  living  stream.  Let  not  sin  have  dominion 
over  me,  or  doubt  disturb  my  joy,  or  the  complex- 
ities and  cares  of  life  destroy  my  simplicity  of  faith 
and  love.  Use  me,  0  God,  in  thy  great  work  on 
earth.  Let  me  share  Christ's  joy  in  mercy  and  in 
service.  Make  the  earth  bright  in  stormy  days  with 
the  sunlight  of  thy  presence  and  lead  me  in  thy  way 
of  peace  and  strength.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

September  8  —  Bringing  Forth  Fruit 

By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them.  Do  men  gather 
grapes  of  thorns,  or  figs  of  thistles?  Even  so  every  good 
tree  bringeth  forth  good  fruit;  but  the  corrupt  tree 
bringeth  forth  evil  fruit.  .  .  .  Therefore  by  their  fruits 
ye  shall  know  them. —  Matt.  7  :  16. 

Thy  desire  be  my  desire,  0  Lord,  thy  will  my  will, 
that  thou  mayest  be  glorified  in  my  bringing  forth 
much  fruit.  Help  me  to  cherish  great  ambitions  in 
thy  service,  an  unquenchable  enthusiasm,  a  watch- 
ful perseverance.  Let  me  not  seek  great  honor  or  a 
worshiped  name,  but  with  all  my  heart  desire  to  live 
up  to  the  limit  of  my  capacity  for  service.  Let  th}- 
trust  in  me  become  my  glory.  Let  me  see  all  things 
in  relation  to  thy  kingdom  and  Christ  as  Lord  of  all. 
Give  me  broad  and  deep  thoughts  of  thy  sympathy 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     193 

in  both  sorrow  and  delight.  Help  me  to  give  myself 
to  others  with  like  joy  and  freedom.  So  may  the 
peace  of  heaven's  pure  service  begin  for  me  in  willing 
service  to  thy  children  here  on  earth.     Amen. 

September  9  —  Peace  in  Perplexity 

This  poor  man  cried  and  the  Lord  heard  him  and 
saved  him  out  of  all  his  troubles.  ...  0  taste  and  see 
that  the  Lord  is  good,  blessed  is  the  man  that  taketh 
refuge  in  him.  0  fear  the  Lord,  ye  his  saints;  for  there 
is  no  want  to  them  that  fear  him. —  Psalm  34  '6. 

We  thank  thee,  in  our  perplexities,  0  God,  that 
there  is  no  perplexity  with  thee.  0  thou  that 
knowest  the  end  from  the  beginning  and  in  love  hast 
made  all  souls  whom  thou  hast  made,  into  thy 
hands  we  would  commit  our  uncertain  way,  that  by 
thy  guidance  all  our  going  may  be  made  sure.  Since 
perfect  vision  is  beyond  our  reach,  give  us  the  faith 
and  peace  of  the  childlike  heart.  Forgive  us  our  dis- 
trusts and  all  the  sins  and  follies  which  have  made 
darkness  in  our  souls;  and  shed  abroad  thy  light  for 
revelation  and  for  joy.  0  thou,  unchangeable  in 
love,  delighting  in  mercy,  bringing  good  to  pass 
where  evil  seemed  to  triumph,  let  us  never  despair  or 
give  back  in  the  conflict;  but  bring  victory,  we  be- 
seech thee,  that  it  may  be  the  foretaste  of  thy  king- 
dom and  grant  us  that  open  vision  thou  keepest  for 
the  pure  in  heart.    In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

September  10  —  The  Antidote  to  Worry 

Behold  he  that  keepeth  Israel  will  neither  slumber  nor 
sleep.  The  Lord  is  thy  keeper:  the  Lord  is  thy  shade 
upon  thy  right  hand.  .  .  .  The  Lord  will  keep  thee 


194     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

from  all  evil;  he  will  keep  thy  soul.  The  Lord  will 
keep  thy  going  out  and  thy  comi^ig  in  from  this  time 
forth  and  for  evermore. —  Psalm  121  :  4- 

0  Lord,  my  God,  teach  me  to  distinguish  and  di- 
vide, for  I  know  I  have  never  gained  by  worry, 
though  I  have  often  lost  by  lack  of  needful  care. 
Help  me  that  I  may  not  go  burdened  when  thou 
wouldst  have  me  free,  or  become  heedless  where  thou 
hast  commanded  me  to  watch  and  be  sober.  Let  the 
foundation  of  my  trust  be  in  thy  loving  mercy  and 
the  motive  of  my  care  in  a  desire  for  better  service. 
Teach  me  to  forget  myself  in  thinking  of  the  work 
thou  givest  me  to  do  and  thus  in  quietness  of  heart 
let  me  have  rest  and  strength.  Set  me  wholly  free 
from  anxieties  which  spring  out  of  the  vanities  and 
falsities  of  the  earth,  that  I  may  walk  in  the  sim- 
plicity of  heart  which  becomes  thy  child,  free  from 
all  grumblings,  impatient  agitations  of  spirit,  env}^- 
ings,  jealousies  and  suspicions,  with  joy  and  glad- 
ness and  a  grateful  heart  for  all  thy  gifts.  In  the 
name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

September  11  —  Intercession 

See  that  none  render  unto  any  evil  for  evil;  hut 
always  follow  after  that  which  is  good,  one  toward 
another  and  toward  all.  Rejoice  alwdys;  pray  with- 
out ceasing;  in  everything  give  thanks:  for  this  is  the 
will  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ  to  you-ward.  —  1  Thess. 
5  :  15. 

0  Lord,  whose  promise  is  that  no  true  prayer  shall 
fail  of  blessing,  help  us  to  keep  on  praying,  though 
our  wishes  seem  to  fail  or  be  postponed.  We  have 
asked  thee  often  for  the  coming  of  thy  kingdom ;  0 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     195 

hear  us,  as  we  pray  once  more  that  it  may  come. 
May  it  come  first  in  our  own  hearts,  that  we  may 
enter  into  thy  most  wise  and  loving  thoughts  and 
learn  to  do  our  part  toward  the  fulfilment  of  our 
prayers.  Forget  not  those  whom  we  have  com- 
mended to  thy  mercy  again,  and  yet  again.  Assure 
our  faith  that  it  shall  be  well  with  them.  Speak 
to  our  hearts  while  we  wait  before  thee,  that  we 
may  go  forth  with  joyful  and  obedient  alacrity, 
armed  for  all  trials  and  ready  to  be  watchful  in  all 
opportunities  of  love  and  service.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.    Amen. 

September  12  —  The  Measure  of  Life 

And  that  ye  be  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  your  mind, 
and  put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God  is  created  in 
righteousness  and  holiness  of  truth.  — Eph.  Jf.  :  23. 

Our  Heavenly  Father,  in  thy  love  and  thy  com- 
mandments would  we  find  the  true  measure  of  the 
life  thou  hast  given  us.  Teach  us,  walking  in  thy 
way,  to  know  the  joy  of  going  forward;  having  thy 
gifts,  to  share  the  peace  of  a  child's  faith  and  hope. 
We  desire  through  the  indwelling  of  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
to  become  familiar  with  the  ways  of  thy  household 
and  quick  in  sympathy  with  all  that  thou  art  doing 
in  the  earth.  Keep  us  from  mistaking  other  mea- 
sures of  life's  worth  for  thine.  Give  us  the  art  of 
brotherl}^  living,  after  the  pattern  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.  Fulfil  to  us  in  thine  own  time  the  joy 
thou  hast  promised  them  who  love  thee  and  make 
our  hearts  warm  with  the  true  answering  love  of 
children  to  their  father.  And  these  great  gifts  we 
ask  of  thee  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


196     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

September  13  —  The  Alert  Disciple 

And  he  cometh  and  findeth  them  sleeping,  and  saith 
unto  Peter,  Simon,  deepest  thou?  Couldst  thou  not 
ivatch  one  hour?  Watch  and  pray  that  ye  enter  not 
into  temptation:  the  spirit  indeed  is  willing,  but  the 
flesh  is  weak.  —  Mark.  IJj.  :  37. 

0  Lord,  who  hast  given  us  eyes  to  see  and  hearts 
to  meditate  upon  the  things  which  concern  thy 
kingdom,  help  us  to  be  always  watchful  lest  we 
fail  in  that  which  thou  hast  committed  to  our 
care.  Let  us  not  be  overcome  of  sudden  evil,  and 
strengthen  thou  our  hearts  against  the  constant 
allurement  of  our  easily-besetting  sins.  Show  us 
thy  thought  of  the  proportion  of  our  lives  lest  in 
grasping  little  things  we  lose  the  best.  Give 
quick  discernment  of  the  purpose  of  thy 
love,  that  we  may  always  work  with  thee. 
May  no  opportunity  of  helpfulness  escape  our 
thought  because  of  careless  ease  or  greed  of  pleasure. 
Help  us  to  be  strong  and  glad,  to  watch  for  Christ's 
appearing  as  our  glorious  hope.  And  keep  thou 
our  hearts  in  constant  peace.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.    Amen. 

September  14  —  God  the  Fountain 

And  he  showed  me  a  river  of  water  of  life,  bright 
as  crystal,  proceeding  out  of  the  throne  of  God  and  of 
the  Lamb,  in  the  midst  of  the  street  thereof.  And 
on  this  side  of  the  river  and  on  that  was  the  tree  of  life, 
bearing  twelve  manner  of  fruits,  .  .  .  and  the  leaves 
of  the  tree  were  for  the  healing  of  the  nations.  —  Rev. 
22  : 1. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     197 

0  Thou,  true  Fountain  of  all  life  and  light,  our 
Father  and  our  loving  and  unfailing  Help,  without 
thee  we  are  poor  and  sorrowful  but  in  thy  service 
we  would  be  made  strong  and  free.  Aid  and 
establish  us  in  the  work  which  thou  hast  given  us  to 
do,  refresh  us  in  our  weariness,  give  peace  of  heart 
and  fill  us  with  good  courage  and  delight  in  helpful- 
ness through  all  the  changes  of  our  days.  Blessed 
be  thou,  our  Loving  Father,  for  all  the  joys  that  we 
have  known,  for  victories  won,  uplifting  after 
sinful  falls,  for  the  rich  outpouring  of  thy  life  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  for  simplicity  of  faith, 
peace  of  the  trustful  heart  and  joy  of  brotherhood. 
None  can  replace  thee,  none  can  exhaust  thee; 
in  thy  abundance  may  our  souls  have  confidence 
and  rest.  Make  us  channels  of  thy  grace  and  help 
to  others,  according  to  thy  mercy,  and  let  thy  king- 
dom come,  0  Lord  of  Love.     Amen. 


September  15  —  God's  Will  for  Us 

Finally  then,  brethren,  we  beseech  and  exhort  you  in 
the  Lord  Jesus,  that,  as  ye  received  of  us  how  ye  ought 
to  walk  and  to  please  God,  even  as  ye  do  walk, —  that 
ye  abound  more  and  more.  .  .  .  For  this  is  the  will  of 
God,  even  your  sanctiflcation. —  1  Thess.  4  ■'  1- 

Fulfil  thine  own  desire  in  me,  0  Lord  my  God, 
that  thou  mayest  find  delight  in  my  swift  growth 
toward  the  perfection  of  my  nature.  Weary  of  my 
own  desires  which  lead  to  disappointment  or  leave 
my  spirit  open  to  the  lure  of  swift  temptation,  let 
my  thought  henceforth  be  the  thought  which  thou 
hast  of  me  and  for  me.    Give  me  a  better  measure  of 


198     PRAYERS  AND  TPIANKSGIVINGS 

the  worth  of  life,  that  I  may  discern  between  trivial- 
ities and  the  great  concerns  of  thy  kingdom.  And 
assure  my  heart  of  thy  love  more  perfectly.  While 
I  know  that  I  am  precious  in  thy  sight,  let  me  not 
think  too  meanly  of  myself  or  become  blind  to  op- 
portunities which  thou  hast  set  before  me.  And  let 
my  love  have  the  warmth  and  strength  of  this  as- 
surance of  faith  in  Christ  through  busy  and  through 
quiet  days.     Amen. 


September  16  —  For  a  Responsive  Heart 

When  thou  saidst,  Seek  ye  my  face:  my  heart  said 
unto  thee,  Thy  face,  Lord,  will  I  seek.  Hide  not  thy 
face  from  me:  put  not  thy  servant  aivay  in  anger:  thou 
hast  been  my  help;  cast  me  not  off,  neither  forsake  me, 
0  God  of  my  salvation. —  Psalms  27  :  8. 

Give  us  responsive  hearts,  0  God  our  strength, 
calling  us  where  and  to  what  work  thou  wilt.  Make 
us  swift  to  welcome  new  adventures  in  thy  world  of 
fresh  experience  and  continual  growth.  Have  pity 
on  our  hindering  weakness  and  rid  us  of  the  burden 
of  our  sin.  Where  thou  hast  hedged  us  in,  we  thank 
thee  that  thy  heavens  of  prayer  are  open  for  our 
desire  to  be  with  thee  in  all  thy  work  for  man.  By 
thy  favor  may  we  run  gladly  on  the  way,  seeking 
new  opportunities,  led  as  thou  choosest,  assured  of 
thy  sustaining  and  the  fellowship  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  Give  us  this  joy  of  venturing  forth  and  the 
continual  delight  of  using  thine  own  gifts  for  thee. 
So  enable  us  to  help  our  brothers  in  earth's  need  and 
to  reflect  a  little  of  thy  light  into  the  shadowed 
places.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     199 

September  17  —  The  Upward  Look 

0  magnify  the  Lord  with  me  and  let  us  exalt  his  name 
together.  I  sought  the  Lord,  and  he  answered  me,  and 
delivered  me  from  all  my  fears.  They  looked  unto  him 
and  were  lightened;  and  their  faces  shall  never  be 
confounded. —  Psalm  34  :  3. 

Thou  who  art  ever  at  hand  to  hear  our  cry,  always 
pitiful  and  never  forgetting,  keep  thou  our  hearts  at 
peace  in  all  busy  and  troubled  hours.  When  we 
have  no  time  for  petition,  let  our  least  thought  that 
runs  to  thee  find  welcome  and  response.  Measure 
not  thy  forgiveness  by  the  imperfection  of  our  ask- 
ing, nor  thy  mercy  by  the  multitude  of  our  neglects, 
but  grant  us  help  and  joy  according  to  thine  infinite 
and  patient  love.  When  cares  lie  heavy  upon  us, 
sustain  us  by  thy  might.  When  clouds  are  dark 
above  us,  let  the  sunlight  of  thy  love  strike  through. 
Let  there  be  no  throng  too  great  for  the  sense  of  thy 
companionship,  no  work  too  absorbing  to  shut  out 
thoughts  of  thee.  In  the  hour  of  swift  temptation 
may  we  turn  swiftly  to  the  ever-open  way  that  leads 
us  home.  Shine  brighter  and  clearer,  0  thou  our 
light,  to  the  perfect  day  of  thy  full  presence.   Amen. 


September  18  —  The  Source  of  Strength 

He  that  walketh  righteously  and  despiseth  the  gain 
of  oppressions  .  .  .  shall  dwell  on  high:  his  place  of 
defence  shall  he  the  munitions  of  rocks:  his  bread  shall 
be  given  him;  his  waters  shall  be  sure.  Thine  eyes  shall 
see  the  King  in  his  beauty:  they  shall  behold  the  land 
that  is  very  far  off. —  7s.  33  :  15. 


200     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Lord  God,  who  knowest  the  ways  of  all,  so  in  thy 
mercy  guard  us  against  the  weakness  and  forgetful- 
ness  of  our  own  hearts  that  we  fall  not  into  grievous 
sins  of  wish  or  thought.  Let  thy  light  shine  clearly, 
that  the  false  lights  of  sin's  illusion  may  not  deceive 
us  and  that  we  may  see  all  things  that  are  needful 
for  our  good.  Teach  us  to  recognize  evil  at  its  first 
coming  and  give  no  open  door.  Bring  order  out  of 
the  confusion  of  our  thoughts,  and  simplicity  out  of 
their  complexity.  Help  us  to  fill  our  lives  with  thy 
love,  thy  mercy  in  Christ,  thy  kingdom;  and  with 
desires  and  endeavors  of  good  to  men.  So  let  there 
be  no  longer  room  in  our  hearts  for  transgression  or 
complaining;  but  for  love  and  joy  and  peace.  For 
thou  art  our  good  and  by  thy  life  we  live.     Amen. 


September  19  —  As  Lights  in  the  World 

Do  all  things  without  murmuring s  and  questionings; 
that  ye  may  become  blameless  and  harmless,  children  of 
God  without  blemish  in  the  midst  of  a  crooked  and  per- 
verse generation,  among  whom  ye  are  seen  as  lights  in 
the  world,  holding  forth  the  word  of  life. —  Phil.  2  :  14- 

0  Thou  who  hast  made  us  lights  in  the  world,  help 
us  to  shine  for  others  through  the  indwelling  of  thy 
holy  Light.  Keep  our  hearts  from  evil  and  our  lips 
from  guile,  and  may  no  pride  or  folly  dim  the  shining 
of  thy  presence  in  our  souls.  Make  us  like  thyself,  0 
Christ,  and  may  the  influence  of  our  daily  lives  be 
for  thy  glory.  Let  thy  Good  Spirit  guide  our 
thoughts  and  words  and  thy  true  light  be  clear  for  joy 
and  service  all  our  days.  For  thou  art  our  Light 
and  Hope  forevermore.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     201 

September  20  —  The  Sin  of  Envy 

But  let  the  brother  of  low  degree  glory  in  his 
high  estate;  and  the  rich  in  that  he  is  made  low; 
because  as  the  flower  of  the  grass  he  shall  pass  away. 
For  the  sun  ariseth  with  the  scorching  wind,  and 
wither eth  the  grass;  .  .  .  so  shall  the  rich  man  fade 
away  in  his  goings.  —  James  1:9. 

Deliver  us,  0  God,  from  the  sin  and  torment  of 
envious  souls  and  teach  us  to  be  just  and  loving  in 
our  thoughts  of  others.  Hast  thou  not  work  for 
all?  Oh,  strengthen  us  to  carry  through  what  thou 
hast  given  us  as  our  share  of  endeavor  for  the  up- 
building of  thy  kingdom!  Satisfy  our  hearts  with 
thy  presence  and  the  assurance  of  thy  just  award 
when  most  we  crave  or  miss  the  praise  of  men. 
Let  not  our  failures  tempt  us  to  grudge  the  triumphs 
of  our  brothers.  0  thou,  who  art  the  judge  of  all 
men's  deeds,  our  Father  and  helper  in  the  trials  of 
our  lives,  be  thou  our  light  upon  the  disappoint- 
ments of  the  earth.  We  thank  thee  for  the  fellow- 
ship of  thy  great  family.  Enable  us  to  love  our 
brothers  generously  and  sincerely,  rejoicing  in  their 
good  and  giving  honor  to  their  labors.  Be  thou 
our  deepest  satisfaction  and  reward,  and  let  thy 
kingdom  come.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

September  21  —  The  Obedient  Heart 

Wherefore  girding  up  the  loins  of  your  mind  be 
sober  and  set  your  hope  perfectly  on  the  grace  which  is 
to  be  brought  unto  you  at  the  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ, 
as  children  of  obedience  .  .  .  like  as  he  who  called 
you  is  holy,  be  ye  yourselves  also  holy  in  all  manner  of 


202     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

living;    because  it  is  written,  Ye  shall  be  holy,  for  I 
am  holy.  —  1  Pet.  1  :  13. 

Cure  us,  0  God  our  Father,  of  that  bhnd  willful- 
ness which  has  so  often  led  astray  from  thee.  Help 
us  to  make  a  full  surrender  of  our  will  to  thine,  to 
follow  in  the  way  of  thy  commandments  stead- 
fastly for  thy  love's  sake.  Make  thy  will  plain  and 
give  us  strength  to  do  it.  In  all  renunciation  which 
thy  wisdom  asks  leave  us  no  hiding  place  of  self- 
deception,  nor  let  us  doubt  or  fear  the  purpose  of 
thy  love.  Be  pitiful  toward  the  weakness  of  our 
flesh  and  spirit  and  lead  us  by  the  hand,  lest  we 
should  slip  and  fall  and  turn  again  toward  that 
which  thou  hast  forbidden.  Give  us  grace  to  do  thy 
will  with  joy,  and  not  with  grudging,  leaving  all 
needs  and  wishes  of  our  hearts  and  lives  to  thee, 
whose  love  is  our  eternal  hope.  And  unto  thee, 
through  Christ,  be  praise.     Amen. 


September  22  —  Taking  Thought  for  Others 

We  know  that  we  have  passed  out  of  death  into  life, 
because  we  love  the  brethren.  He  that  loveth  not 
abideth  in  death.  .  .  .  Hereby  know  we  love,  because 
he  laid  down  his  life  for  us:  and  we  ought  to  lay  down 
our  lives  for  the  brethren.  —  1  John  3  :  14' 

0  Thou  who  understandest  me  altogether  and 
art  acquainted  with  all  my  griefs,  give  me  also  an 
understanding  and  a  sympathizing  heart.  Father 
and  Lover  of  us  all,  teach  thy  children  to  take 
thought  one  for  another.  Let  me  not  center  my 
life  in  self  and  be  careless  of  others.  Quicken  in 
me  a  love  like  thine  and  make  me  a  true  brother  in 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     203 

thy  house  of  life.  Thou  hast  set  limits  to  my  power 
to  aid,  yet  I  thank  thee  that  thine  own  power  is 
infinite  and  that,  by  me  or  by  another,  thy  purposes 
of  mercy  shall  not  fail.  Teach  me  neither  to  be 
sluggish  nor  impatient,  and  let  me  have  for  a  reward 
of  suffering  and  loss,  that  they  shall  draw  me  nearer 
those  whom  thou  hast  made  my  fellows  in  the  school 
of  grief.  Assure  my  heart  that  there  is  peace  at 
last  and  joy  that  cannot  perish  in  thy  house.    Amen . 


September  23  —  Holding  on  Our  Way 

Thou  therefore,  my  child,  be  strengthened  m  the 
grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  .  .  .  Take  thy  part  in 
suffering  hardship  as  a  good  soldier  of  Christ  Jesus. 
No  soldier  on  service  entangleth  himself  in  the  affairs 
of  this  life:  that  he  may  please  him  ivho  enrolled  him 
as  a  soldier.  —  2  Tim.  2:1. 

Lord,  let  me  hold  thy  way,  though  it  lead  through 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  and  let  thy 
presence  give  me  strength  to  endure  to  the  end. 
Thou,  who  hast  foretold  trouble,  show  me  its  mean- 
ing for  my  growth  and  for  my  service  to  the  needs  of 
others.  Let  me  not,  I  beseech  thee,  pass  this  way, 
by  which  all  the  children  of  the  Father  come,  and 
bring  no  profit  from  the  experience.  Nor  let  me 
mourn  my  lost  treasures  and  opportunities  as  if  I 
had  no  life  but  that  which  is  sustained  by  earth's 
bread  and  rejoiced  by  earth's  delight.  Make  the 
bread  of  thy  word  real  to  my  hunger  and  the  joy  of 
thy  communion  satisfying  to  my  thirst  through 
Christ  who  loved  me  and  gave  himself  for  me.  And 
to  thy  name  be  praise.    Amen, 


204     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

September  24  —  Our  Life  God's  Plan 

Thou  whom  I  have  taken  hold  of  from  the  ends  of 
the  earth  .  .  .  and  said  unto  thee,  Thou  art  my 
servant,  I  have  chosen  thee  and  not  cast  thee  away: 
fear  not  thou,  for  I  am  with  thee;  look  not  around  thee, 
for  I  am  thy  God;  I  will  strengthen  thee;  yea,  I  will 
help  thee;  yea,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  the  right  hand 
of  my  righteousness.  —  Is.4i  -'9. 

0  God,  who  didst  plan  and  make  man  in  thine 
own  image  and  send  thy  Son  to  share  our  life  and 
death,  help  us  to  fulfill  thy  thought  of  pure  and  holy 
lives.  Care  for  our  bodies,  enrich  and  inform  our 
minds,  quicken  our  spirits  by  the  indwelling  of  thy 
holy  life.  Pardon  our  sins  for  Jesus'  sake.  Make  us 
gentle,  brave  and  true,  patient  and  strong  in  self- 
restraint,  and  swift  to  minister  to  others  in  their 
need.  We  rejoice  in  our  humanity  because  it  is 
always  open  to  thy  touch  and  care.  Abide  with  us 
that  our  hearts  may  be  at  rest  in  thee.  Make  of 
us  men  and  women  after  thine  own  heart.  Give  us 
thy  work  to  do  on  earth  and  open  to  us  the  riches  of 
the  inheritance  of  thy  life.  For  the  sake  of  Christ, 
the  Son  of  Man,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

September  25  —  For  the  Poor  and  Troubled 

But  whoso  hath  the  world's  goods,  and  heholdeth  his 
brother  in  need,  and  shutteth  up  his  compassion  from 
him,  how  doth  the  love  of  God  abide  in  him?  My  little 
children,  let  us  not  love  in  word,  neither  with  the 
tongue,  but  in  deed  and  in  truth. —  1  John  3  :  17. 

0  God,  the  Father  and  Helper  of  us  all,  who  hast 
made  us  almoners  of  th}^  Iwunty  by  the  gifts  of  thy 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     205 

mercy  for  which  we  give  thee  thanks,  remember  at 
this  time  we  beseech  thee,  in  the  name  of  him  who 
for  our  sakes  chose  poverty  and  had  not  where  to  lay 
his  head,  all  those  who  are  in  want  and  distress 
among  our  neighbors  and  in  the  whole  wide  brother- 
hood of  the  world.  Be  thou  the  father  of  the  father- 
less and  a  helper  and  upholder  of  the  weak.  Teach 
us  the  sympathy  of  heart  that  makes  us  considerate, 
open-eyed  for  others'  need  and  open-handed  in  our 
ministries.  Remember  especially  with  wisdom, 
courage,  faith  and  love  all  the  faithful  ministers  to 
the  needy  in  all  our  cities,  towns  and  villages. 
Awaken  in  us  a  deeper  sense  of  social  justice  and  keep 
us  from  sins  of  greed  and  from  all  hardening  of  the 
heart  through  selfishness.  Remember  those  who 
live  in  poverty  of  soul  and  rouse  them  to  their  op- 
portunity of  sharing  in  thy  higher  gifts.  And  make 
us  thankful  in  thy  provision  for  our  need  which  clears 
our  way  to  do  our  work  in  life.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.    Amen. 

September  26  —  Guarding  the  Tongue 

But  the  tongue  can  no  man  tame;  it  is  a  restless  evil, 
it  is  full  of  deadly  poison.  Therewith  bless  we  the 
Lord  and  Father;  and  therewith  curse  we  men,  who  are 
made  in  the  image  of  God.:  out  of  the  same  mouth  Com- 
eth forth  blessing  and  cursing.  My  brethren,  these 
things  ought  not  so  to  be. —  James  3  :  8. 

Keep  us,  0  God,  in  continual  remembrance  of  thy 
mercy,  that  we  may  never  fall  into  censorious  judg- 
ments or  the  folly  of  unkind  words.  So  impress  our 
minds  with  the  need  of  diligence  that  we  may  labor 
joj^ully  in  the  work  to  which  thou  hast  called  us 


206     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

and  find  no  room  for  malice  or  spitefulness.  Teach 
us  to  hold  judgment  in  suspense,  while  charity  runs 
freely.  We  thank  thee  that  thou  knowest  us  alto- 
gether, 0  thou  most  loving  and  most  just!  Let  all  our 
relations  with  our  fellows  be  those  of  brotherhood 
and  may  we  seek  the  deeper  experiences  of  our  lives 
in  kindly  social  relations.  So  may  we  ever  dwell 
with  thee,  .who  art  the  Father  of  our  spirits  and  with 
thy  Son,  the  elder  brother  of  us  all.  In  his  name. 
Amen. 

September  27  —  Joy  Unspoiled 

Who  by  the  power  of  God  are  guarded  through  faith 
unto  a  salvation  ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  last  time. 
Wherein  ye  greatly  rejoice.  .  .  .  Receiving  the  end  of 
your  faith,  even  the  salvation  of  your  souls. —  1  Pet . 
1  :5. 

Let  the  joy  of  my  heart  be  found  in  that  which 
thou  approvest,  0  my  God,  that  it  may  endure  un- 
spoiled through  all  the  changes  of  the  world.  Let 
me  neither  dread  nor  forget  the  immortal  life  in  which 
the  fruits  of  present  thought  and  action  shall  ap- 
pear, lest  I  live  as  the  beasts  live,  only  for  todaj''.  I 
thank  thee  for  the  deeper  workings  of  thy  purpose, 
which  keep  so  much  in  store  for  days  to  come.  And 
I  thank  thee  also,  for  the  joj^s  and  opportunities  of 
this  good  day  which  thou  hast  given.  Help  me  to 
make  the  most  of  it,  in  work  and  play,  with  simple 
faith  and  a  quiet  heart.  And  may  some  of  its 
thoughts  and  experiences  afford  me  happy  memo- 
ries. So  keep  me  from  the  taint  of  sin,  the  fever  of 
distrust,  and  let  ni}^  life  be  Christlike  in  its  joy  and 
service.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     207 

September  28  — In  the  Middle  Watch 

Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord;  trust  also  in  him 
and  he  will  bring  it  to  pass.  And  he  will  make  thy 
righteousness  to  go  forth  as  the  light,  and  thy  justice  as 
the  noonday.  Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently  for 
him:  fret  not  thyself  because  of  him  that  prospereth  in 
his  way. —  Psalm  37  : 5. 

Lord,  have  mercy  on  us  in  the  middle  watch,  when 
the  darkness  is  about  us  and  the  hght  of  thy  prom- 
ise seems  far  away  in  the  delaying  morn.  Give  us 
thy  presence  for  prophecy  and  cheer.  Teach  us  to 
weigh  the  values  of  present  attainment  and  the  hopes 
of  deeper  power  and  joy  that  are  set  before  thy  chil- 
dren. Teach  us  thine  own  patience  with  the  slow 
movement  of  the  years  and  the  delays  of  our  experi- 
ence in  faith  and  hope.  While  we  feel  the  power  of 
the  monotonies  of  life,  yea,  even  though  we  ourselves 
are  weary,  let  us  turn  to  share  our  comforts  with  our 
neighbor  and  to  aid  him  in  his  disheartened  hours. 
So  between  human  and  divine  companionships,  may 
we  go  forward  with  high  courage  and  with  unshrink- 
ing confidence,  finding  the  marks  of  our  Elder 
Brother  in  the  changes  and  adventures  of  the  way. 
In  his  name.    Amen. 

September  29  —  Remembering  God 

And  thou  shall  remember  all  the  way  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  hath  led  thee  .  .  .  to  prove  thee,  to  know  what 
was  in  thy  heart,  .  .  .  and  suffered  thee  to  hunger, 
and  fed  thee  with  manna  .  .  .  that  he  might  7nake 
thee  know  that  man  doth  not  live  by  bread  only,  but  by 
everything  that  proceed  eth  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  Lord 
dntJi  man  live. —  Deut.  8:2. 


208     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

0  God,  who  hast  made  thy  presence  known  in  the 
experiences  of  our  common  life,  help  us  to  seek  and 
find  thee  in  the  affairs  of  every  day  and  to  interpret 
all  that  we  see  by  thy  purposes  of  love  toward  thy 
children.  Let  bread  on  our  common  tables  remind 
us  of  him  whom  thou  didst  send  for  the  bread  of  our 
spirit's  life;  and  the  cup,  of  his  sacrifice  for  our  sal- 
vation. Teach  us  to  find  thee  in  our  daily  work  and 
to  ask  thy  fellowship  in  recreation.  Deepen  our 
thoughts  of  life  and  even  of  the  despised  or  forgotten 
things  that  serve  our  need  from  hour  to  hour.  Keep 
us  from  contempt,  knowing  that  all  things  have 
meaning  in  thy  thought  and  serve  thy  holy  will. 
So  let  the  spirit  of  reverence  and  the  desire  for 
knowledge  light  the  way  in  which  we  walk  with  thee. 
Amen. 

September  30  —  The  Trial  of  the  Furnace 

That  the  proof  of  your  faith,  being  more  precious 
than  gold  that  perisheth,  though  it  be  proved  by  fire, 
may  be  foimd  unto  praise  and  glory  and  honor  at  the 
revelation  of  Jesus  Christ:  who7n  not  having  seen  ye 
love;  on  whom,  though  now  ye  see  him  not,  yet  believing 
ye  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. — 
1  Pet.  1:7. 

Not  unto  us,  0  Lord,  be  glorj^  for  the  victories 
thou  hast  enabled  us  to  win,  but  to  the  overcoming 
love  of  Christ  and  the  good  leading  of  thy  Hol}^ 
Spirit.  Thou  hast  tried  us  as  silver  is  tried  and  if  we 
have  come  forth  from  the  furnace  purified,  we  thank 
thee  that  in  these  very  experiences  we  may  show- 
some  reflection  of  thy  life  and  light.  In  thine  own 
time,  in  thine  own  w^ay,  transform  us  wholly  into 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     209 

the  image  of  thy  helpful  life  and  perfect  love.  We 
ask  not  for  prosperity,  lest  it  should  prove  a  snare. 
We  dare  not  ask  for  trial  lest  it  prove  too  heavj--  for 
our  feeble  strength  and  we  fall  under  the  yoke 
of  sin.  I^ead  us  not  into  temptation,  0  our  Father! 
but,  in  all  trials  thou  dost  wisely  send,  stand  at  our 
side  and  make  us  more  than  conquerors  through 
him  that  loved  us.     Amen. 


October  1  —  The  Building  Years 

Give  diligence  to  present  thyself  approved  unto  God, 
a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  .  .  . 
howbeit  the  firm  foundation  of  God  standeth,  having  this 
seal.  The  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  his.  —  2  Tim. 
2  :  15. 

Let  all  my  years  on  earth  be  building  years,  0  God, 
that  by  thy  mercy  I  may  have  a  part  in  thy  great 
plan  and  that  thy  glory  may  appear  in  what  I  do. 
Be  thou  my  Architect  and  as  thou  hast  made  me, 
bring  thy  work  to  its  perfection,  for  thine  own  honor 
and  desire.  I  thank  thee  for  my  work  and  for  the 
freedom  which  makes  it  a  delight.  Give  me 
strength  to  do  my  part  and  patience  to  continue  in 
it.  Make  me  a  good  comrade  to  my  fellow-workers, 
swift  to  applaud,  slow  to  complain,  thinking  no 
evil.  When  my  part  is  ended  and  thou  callest 
another  to  my  place,  let  me  be  glad  at  heart,  with- 
out envy  and  without  disappointment,  knowing  that 
the  work  is  thine  and  that  thy  power  ensures  its 
perfecting.  So  prosper  Thou  my  building  and  make 
my  joy  abound.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


210     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

October  2  —  The  Proportion  of  Life 

But  ivoe  unto  you  Pharisees!  for  ye  tithe  mint 
and  rue  and  every  herb,  and  pass  over  justice  and  the 
love  of  God:  but  these  ought  ye  to  have  done,  and  not 
to  leave  the  other  undone.  — Luke  11  :  li.2. 

Make  me  in  love,  0  God,  with  some  large  end  of 
living,  that  in  seeking  to  attain  I  may  find  new 
interpretations  of  thy  loving  will.  Keep  me  in 
unity  of  heart,  however  it  may  faU  to  my  lot  to  have 
my  efforts  scattered  here  and  there  in  varying  tasks. 
Where  I  see  only  life's  confusion,  work  out  for  me  in 
thy  lovingkindness  a  larger  simplicity  and  a  true 
proportion.  Give  me  an  unwavering  faith  in  thy 
desire  for  thy  children's  holiness.  I  would  be  faith- 
ful to  the  vision  which  thou  thyself  hast  shown  me 
of  my  true  work  in  life;  but  first,  in  singleness  of 
heart  and  joyful  lowliness,  would  serve  thee  even 
in  little  tasks  and  daily  self-denials.  So  accept  the 
sacrifice  I  bring  in  the  name  of  Christ,  my  Lord  and 
Brother,  and  overrule  even  my  failures  and  short- 
comings, in  thy  mercy,  for  the  greater  good  of  thy 
loving  purpose  and  desire  for  the  help  of  the  world. 
Amen. 


October  3  —  The  Childlike  Heart 

And  they  ivere  bringing  unto  him  little  children, 
that  he  should  touch  them:  and  the  disciples  rebuked 
them.  But  when  Jesus  saiv  it  he  was  filled  with 
indigriation,  and  said  unto  them,  Suffer  the  little 
children  to  come  unto  me;  forbid  them  not;  for  of 
such  is  the  Kingdom  of  God.  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
Whosoever  shall  not  receive  the  Kingdom  of  God  as  a 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     211 

little  child,  he  shall  in  no  wise  enter  therein.  —  Mark 
10  :  13. 

My  Father,  I  thank  thee  that  when  1  am  weary 
alike  of  the  folly  and  the  wisdom  of  the  world,  its 
labor  and  its  grief,  I  may  come  home  to  thee  and 
find  myself  once  more  a  child,  to  be  comforted,  up- 
lifted and  guided  into  truth.  0  Thou  most  restful, 
Home  of  souls,  and  Father  of  the  poor!  in  thee 
would  I  take  refuge  from  my  own  perplexities  of 
soul.  I  would  learn  of  thee  to  wait  with  patience, 
love  with  sincerity,  and  expect  the  best  from  others. 
Draw  me  to  thee,  even  as  a  mother  heartens  and 
comforts  her  discouraged  child.  Give  me  according 
to  my  need  —  nay,  rather,  Lord,  provide  for  needs 
thou  seest  according  to  thy  love.  Let  me  do  my 
work  in  this  simplicity  of  heart;  and  though  I 
mingle  with  the  noisy  world,  yet  may  I  still  in  spirit 
abide  in  quietness  with  thee.  And  make  this 
childhood  of  my  heart  joyful  with  the  very  joy  of 
Christ.     Amen. 

October  4  —  The  Light  of  Life 

I  am  the  light  oj  the  world:  he  that  followeth  me 
shall  7iot  walk  in  darkness,  but  shall  have  the  light  of 
life.— Johns  :  12. 

Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world.  A  city  set  on  a  hill 
cannot  be  hid.  —  Matt.  5  :  14-. 

Light  of  the  World,  whose  glory  shines  in  the 
face  of  Jesus  Christ,  grow  in  our  darkness  to  the 
splendor  of  thy  perfect  day!  Thou  who  dwellest  in 
mystery  of  light!  we  would  reach  up  toward  thee 
in  full  assurance  of  thy  presence  and  thy  will  to 


212     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

make  us  pure.  Disperse  our  fears.  Transform  our 
ambitions.  Teach  us  to  leave  the  paths  of  shadow 
for  the  way  of  truth.  Help  us  to  trust  thee  wholly 
and  to  take  each  step  thy  wisdom  shows  in  quiet 
confidence  and  joyful  hope,  assured  of  thee  whatever 
else  may  fail.  May  the  revelation  of  thyself 
through  us  grow  ever  clearer  as  we  walk  with  thee. 
Let  it  shine  in  common  things  and  quiet  hours,  from 
thee  to  us;  from  us,  by  thee,  to  those  who  need  and 
see  thee  not,  that  we  may  show  thy  glory  and  be 
made  partakers  of  the  joy  of  Christ.     Amen. 


October  5  —  The  Law  of  Kindness 

Judge  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged.  For  with  what 
judgment  ye  judge,  ye  shall  be  judged:  and  with  what 
measure  ye  mete,  it  shall  be  measured  unto  you.  — 
Matt.  7  : 1. 

Let  not  my  lips,  0  God,  offend  against  thy  law  of 
kindness  and  let  my  heart  be  free  from  all  un- 
charitable thoughts  toward  men.  Because  thou 
lovest  me,  in  spite  of  all  the  evil  I  have  done,  help 
me  to  love  even  my  enemies  with  something  of  thy 
patient  kindliness,  knowing  that  thou  also  lovest 
them.  Help  me  to  be  sure  that  I  am  just  before  I 
venture  to  condemn,  and  may  I  not  blame  others  for 
sins  of  which  I  have  myself  been  guilty  in  thy  sight. 
Give  me  a  discriminating  anger  which  shall  never 
break  loose  from  the  grip  of  love.  Teach  me  to 
look  for  good  in  all  I  meet  and  welcome  every  sign 
of  its  appearance  with  gratitude  to  thee  who  art  the 
fountain  of  all  truth  and  righteousness  in  heaven 
and  earth.     For  Jesus' sake.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     213 

October  6  —  The  Sacredness  of  the  Common- 
place 

There  is  a  lad  here  who  hath  five  barley  loaves  and 
two  fishes,  but  what  are  these  among  so  many?  .  .  . 
Jesus  took  therefore  the  loaves;  and  having  given  thanks, 
he  distributed  to  them  that  were  set  down;  likewise  also 
of  the  fishes  as  much  as  they  would. —  John  6  :  9. 

Touch  our  hearts  with  gratitude,  0  God,  in  the 
remembrance  of  thy  mercy  as  we  go  about  our  com- 
mon ways  and  use  the  needful  gifts  of  earth.  Help 
us  to  recognize  thy  presence  in  very  httle  things 
and  may  we  turn  famihar  experience  to  heartfelt 
praise.  Let  the  shadow  of  the  leaves  speak  to  us  of 
thy  protecting  care,  the  glory  of  the  sky  suggest  thy 
loving  majesty,  the  provision  of  the  fruits  of  the 
earth  thy  bounty.  Help  us  to  be  happy  because  we 
are  thy  children.  In  labor  be  at  our  right  hand  — 
our  rest  of  soul,  our  helper  and  our  friend.  In  play 
uplift  our  hearts  with  sweet  content  that  thou  art 
near  with  sympathy  and  care.  Let  beauty  fill  our 
souls  with  wondering  gladness  in  remembrance  of 
thy  power.  Guard  us  in  sleep  from  evil  dreams  and 
keep  in  us  through  waking  hours  the  childlike  heart 
that  sings  in  fearless  hope  and  faith  and  love. 
Through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Prince  of  Peace,  our 
Bringer  of  Joy,  our  Lord  of  Hope.    Amen. 

October  7  — Venturing  With  God 

For  thou  wilt  light  my  lamp:  the  Lord  my  God  will 
lighten  my  darkness.  For  by  thee  I  run  through  a 
troop:  and  by  my  God  do  I  leap  over  a  wall. —  Psalm 

IS  :  ^S. 


214     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

With  thee  would  we  adventure,  0  thou  who  hast 
gone  before  to  try  and  prove  the  ways  of  man.  We 
thank  thee  that  thou  art  flesh  of  our  flesh,  our 
brother  and  forerunner,  true  Son  of  man  as  well  as 
Son  of  God.  Give  us  courageous  hearts  to  undertake 
some  work  of  loving  gratitude  for  thee.  Make  us 
strong  to  overcome,  patient  to  endure,  joj^ul  in  thy 
companionship  all  the  day  long.  Lord,  thou  knowest 
our  weariness,  give  us  hearts  at  rest  that  we  may  help 
and  cheer  our  brothers  in  the  way.  We  bless  thee 
for  those  who  have  gone  before;  for  their  example  of 
faith,  their  works  of  love  and  for  their  witness  that 
led  us  to  put  our  confidence  in  thee.  Forgive  our 
sins  of  omission  and  neglect,  of  selfish  grasping  at 
the  things  of  earth  and  our  f orgetfulness  of  thee,  and 
build  thine  image  in  our  hearts.     Amen. 

October  8  —  Our  Refuge  and  Our  Rest 

Return  unto  thy  rest,  0  my  soul;  for  the  Lord  hath 
dealt  bountifully  with  thee.  For  thou  hast  delivered  my 
soul  from  death,  inine  eyes  from  tears,  and  my  feet 
from  falling. —  Psalm  116  :  7. 

Unto  thee,  0  Lord,  I  turn  when  I  am  weary  of 
myself.  Give  my  heart  rest  in  the  thought  that  thou 
knowest  me  altogether  and  yet  that  thy  love  does 
not  fail.  Deny  me  not  nor  reject  that  which  thou 
hast  made  nor  forsake  me  in  my  time  of  need.  Let 
me  with  true  repentance  come  to  thee  with  each 
new  vision  of  myself.  Give  me  thy  peace,  and  leave 
me  never  to  a  benumbing  self-satisfaction.  Open 
my  eyes  that  I  may  see  good  as  thou  seest  it  and  do 
good  as  Jesus  did  on  earth  for  love  of  thee  and  men. 
Make  me  what  thou  hast  thought  of  me  and  save 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     215 

me  from  the  defeat  which  my  own  folly  brings.  So 
shall  I  praise  thee  for  thy  lovingkindness  and  the 
life  which  thou  hast  given  me  shall  bear  fruit  richly 
to  thy  glory.    In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


October  9  —  The  Social  Hope 

Forasmuch  therefore  as  ye  trample  wpon  the  poor, 
and  take  exactions  from  him  of  wheat:  ye  have  built 
houses  of  hewn  stone,hut  ye  shall  not  dwell  in  them.  .  .  . 
For  I  know  how  manifold  are  your  transgressions,  and 
how  mighty  are  your  sins  —  ye  that  afflict  the  just,  that 
take  a  bribe,  and  that  turn  aside  the  needy  in  the  gate 
from  their  right. —  Amos  6  :  11. 

Help  us,  our  Heavenly  Father,  to  remember 
brotherly  love  and  kindness  in  all  meetings  and  re- 
lationships of  earth.  We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
made  us  of  one  family,  with  common  needs  and  like 
experiences;  but  we  confess  with  sorrow  that  we 
are  continually  tempted  to  build  walls  of  exclusion 
and  towers  of  selfishness  to  shut  away  our  brothers. 
Forgive  this  folly  of  our  earth-encumbered  souls, 
and  help  us  to  be  just  and  loving,  pitiful  and  gra- 
cious, loving  our  neighbor  and  honoring  thee  in  for- 
getfulness  of  self.  Come,  Lord,  and  overturn  among 
our  social  usages,  our  prejudices  and  fastidious 
tastes,  until  the  clear  horizon  of  thy  justice  shines 
and  our  true  love  toward  thee  finds  outlet  in  joyful 
service  to  our  neighbor.  So  let  thy  kingdom  full}' 
come,  first  in  the  hearts  of  Christians,  then  in  a 
world  transformed  by  the  indwelling  of  thy  just  and 
loving  Spirit.  In  the  name  of  Christ,  the  Elder 
Brother  of  all  loving  hearts.     Amen. 


216     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

October  10  —  The  Characters  of  Love 

Love  suffereth  long,  and  is  kind;  love  envieth  not; 
love  vaunteth  not  itself,  is  not  piijfed  up,  doth  not 
behave  itself  unseemly,  seeketh  not  its  own,  is  not  pro- 
voked, taketh  not  account  of  evil;  rejoiceth  not  in  un- 
righteousness, but  rejoiceth  in  the  truth. —  1  Cor.  13  :  4- 

0  Thou,  whose  light  upon  the  way,  whose  help  in 
times  of  need  have  guided  and  sustained  me,  make 
me  thy  messenger  of  light  and  strength  to  others  in 
the  troubled  way.  Give  me  the  patience  and  desire 
of  good  which  are  the  characters  of  love.  Thou  hast 
encouraged  and  upheld  me,  let  me  never  cast  a 
shadow  of  discouragement  for  others  by  harsh  cen- 
sure or  words  of  faithless  discontent.  Thou  Light 
and  Love  of  all,  let  comfort  of  thy  presence  and  joy- 
ful confidence  of  faith  be  all  men's  portion  in  thine 
own  good  time  and  way.  Thanks  be  unto  thee,  0 
God,  for  thy  great  gift  of  life,  for  the  immortal  hope 
and  daily  cheer,  the  brotherhood  of  faith  in  which 
the  Lord  Christ  is  the  pattern,  head  and  crown. 
Amen. 

October  11  —  Our  Need  of  Patience 

/  therefore,  the  prisoner  of  the  Lord,  beseech  you  to 
walk  worthily  of  the  calling  wherewith  ye  were  called, 
with  all  lowliness  and  meekness,  with  long  suffering, 
forbearing  one  another  in  love;  giving  diligence  to 
keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace.  — 
Eph.4  :  L 

Remember  not,  0  God,  our  manifold  transgres- 
sions, nor  let  thy  just  and  righteous  condemnation 
fall  upon  us.  Thou  hast  been  patient  with  us,  lo, 
these  many  days;  forsake  us  not,  neither  leave  us 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     217 

to  ourselves  in  anger.  We  thank  thee  that  thou  art 
loving  and  ready  to  forgive;  hear  us  when  we  come 
repentant  to  thy  mercy  seat  and  give  us  strength 
and  peace.  Teach  us  thy  patience  with  our  brothers 
of  the  earthly  life  and  help  us  to  forgive  even  as  we 
ask  to  be  forgiven.  May  we  be  slow  to  wrath, 
considerate  of  the  needs  and  the  thoughts  of  others, 
hoping  all  good  and  ready  to  do  our  part  in  making 
and  in  keeping  peace.  Arm  us  against  the  little 
ills  and  worries  of  our  lives.  Make  the  long  days 
serene  and  keep  the  hurrying  hours  from  interposing 
work  or  pleasure  between  us  and  thee.  In  the  name 
of  Christ.     Amen. 

October  12  —  In  the  Hour  of  Trial 

But  thou,  0  Lord,  knowest  me;  thou  hast  seen  me 
and  tried  mine  heart  toward  thee.  .  .  .  If  thou  hast 
run  with  the  footmen,  and  they  have  wearied  thee, 
then  how  canst  thou  contend  with  horses?  and  if  in 
the  land  of  peace  wherein  thou  trustedst,  they  wearied 
thee,  then  how  wilt  thou  do  in  the  swelling  of  Jordan?  — 
Jer.  12  : 3. 

0  Thou  through  whom  alone  we  have  power  to 
overcome  our  manifold  temptations,  we  thank  thee 
that  thou  art  ever  present  to  give  strength  to  our 
failing  wills.  Lead  us  not  into  temptation;  but 
when  thou  sufferest  it  to  come  upon  us  help  us  so 
to  bear  ourselves  that  we  may  win  thine  approval 
and  be  worthy  of  our  high  calling  as  thy  children. 
Give  us  vision  ^beyond  the  immediate  horizon  of 
our  passionate  desires,  remembrance  of  thy  com- 
mandments, lively  concern  for  the  good  of  others  who 
must  help  to  pay  the  price  of  our  evil  doing.     Let  the 


218     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

sun  of  thy  love  put  out  the  lights  of  sin's  allure- 
ment and  bring  the  dawn  of  the  full  day  in  which  we 
desire  to  walk  with  thee.  In  the  name  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  who  for  our  need  and  triumph  was 
tempted  and  overcame.     Amen. 

October  13  —  Joyful  Assurance 

Let  us  dravj  near  with  a  true  heart  in  full  assurarice 
of  faith  .  .  .  let  us  hold  fast  the  confession  of  our 
hope  that  it  waver  not;  for  he  is  faithful  that  promised: 
and  let  us  consider  one  another  to  provoke  unto  love 
and  good  works.  —  Heh.  10  :  22. 

We  thank  thee,  our  Father  in  heaven,  for  the  as- 
surance of  thy  love  in  every  day's  experience. 
We  bless  thee  that  thou  hast  kept  our  feet  in  peril, 
crowned  our  lives  with  good,  enriched  our  hearts 
with  friendships  that  have  made  the  earth 
a  place  of  joy  and  service,  given  us  the  comfort  of 
thy  presence,  with  assurance  of  growing  knowledge 
and  light  at  eventide.  We  thank  thee  that  beyond 
earth's  trials  thou  hast  prepared  for  us  a  home 
where  we  shall  serve  thee  with  delighted  hearts, 
untried  by  earth's  perplexities  of  doubt  and  false 
desire.  Keep  us,  even  now,  in  the  spirit  of  that 
purer  life,  that  thy  will  may  be  done  in  our  hearts 
as  it  is  done  in  heaven.  And  to  thy  name  be  praise 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

October  14  —  Power  in  Helplessness 

For  the  time  will  fail  me  if  I  tell  of  .  .  .  David  and 
Samuel  and  the  prophets,  who  through  faith  subdued 
kingdoms,  'wrought  righteousness,   obtained  promises 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     219 

.  .  .  from     weakness     were     mnde     strong.  —  Heb. 

11  :32. 

P^ndue  our  helplessness  with  power,  O  Spirit  of  the 
Living  God,  that  we  may  be  serviceable  children  of 
our  Heavenly  Father.  From  thee  cometh  life  — 
our  knowledge  of  the  will  and  way  of  God,  courage 
to  venture,  strength  to  endure.  Thou  Living 
Spring,  that  fails  not  in  our  drought  of  heart, 
pour  from  the  fulness  of  thy  holy  might  all  that  we 
need.  Teach  us  to  expect  great  gifts.  Uphold  our 
spirits  and  enable  us  to  overcome  the  world.  We 
thanlc  thee  for  the  promise  which  is  our  inheritance 
in  Christ.  We  would  do  all  thou  askest  by  the 
assistance  of  thy  plenitude  of  power,  0  Thou  from 
whom  help  cometh!  Aid  and  sustain  us,  calling  to 
repentance  and  confirming  in  the  grace  of  Christ. 
And  let  the  kingdom  of  his  holiness  come  in.     Amen. 

October  15  —  Going  on  With  God 

Return,  ye  backsliding  children,  I  luill  heal  your 
backslidings.  Behold,  we  are  come  unto  thee;  for 
thou  art  the  Lord  our  God.  Truly  in  vain  is  the  help 
that  is  looked  for  from  the  hills,  the  noisy  throng  on 
the  mountains:  truly  in  the  Lord  our  God  is  the  salva- 
tion of  Israel.  —  Jer.  3  :  22. 

Lord,  I  thank  thee  that  when  I  am  thinking  of 
my  lapses  and  forgettings  thou  art  planning  for  my 
repentance  and  return.  Be  thou  my  hope,  my 
strength  for  new  endeavor  and  my  joy  of  over- 
coming. For  thy  fatherly  heart  of  love,  thy  pa- 
tience that  turns  not  away,  the  ever-open  door  that 
leads  to  thee  I  give  thanks  with  all  my  heart.    Teach 


220     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

rae  courage  to  venture  and  to  climb,  faith  which 
looks  forward  cheerfully  because  it  grows  out  of 
thy  love  rather  than  mine,  a  will  to  conquer,  by  thy 
good  help  and  favor,  at  any  cost  to  my  present  self. 
Let  all  changes  of  the  years  but  serve  to  lead  me 
home  to  thee  and  all  experiences  enrich  my  memory 
with  thoughts  of  thy  unfailing  goodness.  And  in 
each  new  beginning,  if  thou  go  not  with  me  carry  me 
not  up  thence.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


October  16  —  Fellow-Workers  With  God 

And  these  all,  having  had  witness  home  to  them 
through  their  faith,  received  not  the  promise,  God  hav- 
ing provided  some  better  thing  concerning  us,  that 
apart  from  us  they  should  not  be  made  perfect. —  Heb. 
11:39. 

0  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  thy  children,  who 
through  infirmity  of  body,  darkness  of  soul,  or  the 
oppression  of  others  have  no  joy  in  work.  Give 
them  the  light  of  thy  presence,  transforming  drudg- 
ery. We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  not  left  even  the 
weakest  to  himself  but  dost  ever  perfect  what  we 
undertake  for  love  of  thee  and  of  thy  children.  For- 
give us  if  by  injustice  or  want  of  thought  we  have 
laid  burdens  upon  any.  Teach  us  to  look  upon  every 
man  as  our  brother  and  to  desire  equal  opportunity 
for  all.  Show  us  that  our  work  allies  us  to  all  great 
servants  of  thy  will  and  to  thyself.  Give  us  faith  to 
wait  thy  revelation  of  the  full  meaning  of  our  lives 
and  give  us  also  something  of  the  joy  of  work  that 
we  may  return  each  morning  to  our  task  with  cheer- 
ful faces  and  hearts  at  rest  in  thee.  Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     221 

October  17  — The  Water  of  Life 

Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  waters, 
and  he  that  hath  no  money;  come  ye  buy  and  eat;  yea, 
come,  buy  ivine  and  milk  without  money  and  without 
price. —  7s.  55  : 1. 

Out  of  thy  fulness,  Lord,  content  our  longing 
souls  with  good.  Thou  Fountain  whence  all  our  sat- 
isfaction flows,  give  us  delights  that  shall  not  fail  — 
streams  of  thy  bounty  and  sweet  waters  of  thy  love. 
Mingle  thy  blessing  with  every  cup  of  sorrow  and  of 
joy.  Keep  from  our  lips  all  poisonous  draughts  of 
sin.  0  satisfy  us  early  with  thy  mercy  and  make 
thy  presence  our  portion  day  and  night.  Transform 
our  pleasures  by  thy  presence.  Scatter  our  fears  in 
confidence  of  faith.  Give  strength  in  grief  and  up- 
hold us  in  all  needful  cares  of  earth,  that  our  spirits 
may  be  unperturbed  and  our  hope  grow  strong  by 
experience  of  thy  grace.  We  thank  thee  that  thou 
hast  called  us  to  come  and  take  of  the  water  of  life 
freely,  and  in  the  name  of  Christ  we  come.     Amen. 

October  18  —  The  Word  of  Life 

Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet,  and  light  unto  my 
path.  .  .  .  Thy  testimonies  have  I  taken  as  a  heritage 
forever;  for  they  are  the  rejoicing  of  my  heart.  I  have 
inclined  my  heart  to  perform  thy  statutes  forever, 
even  unto  the  end. —  Psalm  119  :  105. 

0  Thou  who  hast  spoken  to  the  hearts  of  a  thou- 
sand generations  through  the  written  Word,  teach 
us  to  find  our  special  message  in  its  pages.  Aid  us  to 
come    with    faith    and    hope    and    an    expectation 


222     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

founded  on  thy  promises.  Let  thy  Good  Spirit  be 
our  teacher,  convincing  us  of  sin  and  taking  of  the 
things  of  Christ  to  show  them  unto  us.  We  thank 
thee  for  the  books  of  record,  which  tell  us  how  men 
lived  and  overcame  by  thy  good  aid;  for  promises 
that  comfort  in  our  day  of  trial  and  discouragement; 
for  songs  that  give  voice  to  our  own  heart's  experi- 
ence and  joy;  for  the  life  of  Christ,  our  brother  and 
deliverer.  Be  with  us  when  we  read  and  help  us  to 
profit  according  to  our  need  and  in  the  measure  of 
thy  love  and  fatherly  affection  toward  us.  So,  in  the 
mirror  of  the  Book,  let  men  find  themselves  and  turn 
to  seek  thee,  who  art  also  in  the  Book  for  all  that 
seek.  And  in  the  fellowship  of  those  who  love  thy 
law  may  we  spend  our  days  and  dwell  in  thy  house 
forever.     Amen . 

October  19  —  The  Good  Shepherd 

And  I  will  set  up  one  shepherd  over  them,  and  he 
shall  feed  them,  even  my  servant  David;  he  shall  feed 
them,  and  he  shall  he  their  shepherd.  .  .  .  And  I  will 
make  with  them  a  covenant  of  peace,  and  will  cause 
evil  beasts  to  cease  out  of  the  land;  and  they  shall  dwell 
securely  in  the  wilderness  and  sleep  in  the  woods.  — 
Ezek.  34  :  2S. 

Most  loving  Shepherd  of  the  flock,  who  seekest 
the  lost  and  upholdest  the  weary,  let  me  also  be  under 
the  provision  of  thy  care.  Forgive  me  that  I  had 
gone  astray  and  forgotten  thy  law;  the  delight  of  thy 
presence  and  the  safety  of  thy  watch  and  fold,  and 
may  the  lesson  be  written  deep  in  my  experience 
that  the  wandering  is  ever  the  unquiet  heart.  For- 
get me  not  in  any  hour  of  peril  and  of  need,  though 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     223 

I  am  all  unworthy  of  thy  love  and  care.  Pardon  my 
transgressions.  Restore  my  soul  and  lead  me  in  the 
paths  of  righteousness  for  thy  name's  sake.  Let  thy 
rod  and  thy  staff  be  my  comfort  in  the  shadow  of 
death  and  spread  thou  my  table  in  the  presence  of 
mine  enemies.  Let  thy  love  sustain  me  and  thy 
commandment  become  my  delight,  that  I  may  serve 
thee  gladly  all  the  days  of  my  pilgrimage  and  dwell 
in  thy  house  forever.     Amen. 

October  20  —  For  Home  and  Friends 

The  elder  unto  the  elect  lady  and  her  children,  whom 
I  love  in  truth.  .  .  .  I  rejoice  greatly  that  I  have  found 
certain  of  thy  children  walking  in  truth,  even  as  we 
received  commandment  from  the  Father. —  2  John  1:1. 

Lord,  if  thou  hadst  not  given  me  this  inner  circle 
of  my  heart's  affection,  I  might  fear  selfishness  in  the 
regard  I  have  for  them  and  the  prayers  I  offer  for 
thy  care  and  help.  I  thank  thee  that  they  all  are 
thine  and  that  thou  in  thy  mercy  hast  given  them. 
I  delight  to  bring  their  need  to  thee,  not  forgetting 
the  wants  of  all  mankind,  but  loving  others  better 
because  thou  hast  taught  me  to  love  these  more. 
Let  my  home  be  to  thee  also  a  home  and  joy.  Make 
the  love  which  reigns  among  us  a  revelation  of  thy 
fatherhood  and  the  brotherhood  of  thy  Son.  Give 
peace,  if  it  please  thee,  but  deny  us  not  thy  healing 
presence  in  our  sorrow  and  adversity,  thy  courage 
when  we  have  much  to  do  or  bear.  When  we  part, 
both  go  and  abide,  that  thy  presence  may  make  us 
glad  in  thought  and  love  together  even  when  we 
dwell  apart.  Keep  us  from  the  selfishness  of  our 
comforts,  that  for  love  of  thee  our  home  joys  may 


224     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

be  shared  with  others.  And  to  thee  be  thanks  for 
the  love  of  the  Hving  and  of  those  who  are  fallen 
asleep.    Amen. 

October  21  —  The  Coming  of  the  Kingdom 

The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  grain  of 
mustard  seed,  which  a  man  took  and  sowed  in  his 
field:  which  indeed  is  less  than  all  seeds;  but  ivhen  it  is 
grown,  it  is  greater  than  the  herbs  and  beco^neth  a 
tree,  so  that  the  birds  of  the  heaven  come  and  lodge 
in  the  branches  thereof.  —  Matt.  13  :  31. 

0  God  our  expectation,  in  whom  alone  our  hearts 
are  satisfied,  give  us  faithful  hearts  to  look  for  the 
coming  of  thy  kingdom  and  the  showing-forth 
of  thy  power  among  the  children  of  men. 
Give  us  the  spirit  of  watchfulness,  both 
against  the  sins  that  do  so  easilj'-  beset  us;  and  in 
the  confident  hope  and  expectant  faith  that  waits 
for  the  appearing  of  thy  power.  Teach  us  how  to 
note  the  signs  of  thy  presence  in  experiences  of  our 
common  days  and  give  us  some  joyful  part  in  the 
work  which  thou  art  doing  in  our  earth.  0  satisfy 
us  early  with  thy  mercy  and  make  us  glad  all  the 
days  of  our  pilgrimage.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

October  22  —  The  Word  of  God's  Patience 

For  whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime  were 
written  for  our  learning,  that  through  patience  and 
through  comfort  of  the  scripture  we  might  have  hope. 
Now  the  God  of  patieiice  and  comfort  grant  you  to  be 
of  the  same  mind  one  with  another  according  to  Jesus 
Christ.  —  Rom.  15  :  4- 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     225 

Forgive,  0  Lord,  the  impatience  of  our  spirits  in 
the  slow  progress  of  thy  work  on  earth.  Help  us 
to  search  and  see,  whether  we  ourselves  are  hinder- 
ers,  by  word  or  deed  bearing  false  witness  to  thy 
love.  When  the  hour  comes  in  which  we  may  not 
work,  let  not  our  hearts  betray  us  into  any  dis- 
quietude. Teach  us  how  large  a  thing  is  life  and 
how  wide  thy  purpose.  Attune  our  hearts  to 
the  song  of  thy  faithful  saints  in  all  the  ages,  the 
song  of  faith  and  hope  and  gratitude.  And  while 
we  strive  to  keep  the  word  of  thy  patience  in  the 
distresses  of  our  years,  keep  thou  us  from  all  evil 
and  enable  us  to  live  honestly  and  lovingly  among 
our  fellows,  having  our  joyful  share  in  the  work  thou 
art  perfecting  on  the  earth.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

October  23  —  For  Friends 

Seeing  ye  have  purified  your  souls  in  your  obedience 
to  the  truth  unto  unfeigned  love  of  the  brethren,  love 
one  another  with  a  pure  heart  fervently.  —  1  Pet. 
1  :  22. 

Father,  whose  purpose  for  the  world  included 
friendship,  one  with  another  and  of  all  with  thee,  0 
bless  my  friends  this  day  in  word  and  deed  that 
they  may  serve  thee  with  good  will  and  quiet  faith. 
Let  thy  presence  be  a  common  joy  for  them  and  me. 
Give  us  like  thoughts  of  service  and  assurances  of  love 
to  knit  our  souls  into  the  unity  of  faith.  Let  not 
our  hearts  grow  cold  in  absence  or  anxious  over 
separate  experiences  and  cares.  For  all  are  thine, 
and  thou  wilt  crown  the  friendship  thou  hast  given 
with  its  appropriate  satisfactions  in  thine  own  good 


226     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

time.  Make  my  life  worthy  of  true  love  by  shaping 
it  into  the  fashion  of  thy  desire.  And  let  thy 
presence  be  a  sabbath-rest  and  blessing  to  the  souls 
of  all  true  friends  on  earth.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 


October  24  —  The  First  and  Last 

/  am  the  first,  and  I  am  the  last:  and  beside  me 
there  is  no  God.  .  .  .  Fear  ye  not,  neither  he  afraid: 
have  I  not  declared  unto  thee  of  old?  .  .  .  and  ye  are 
my  witnesses.  —  Is.  44  ■  6. 

0  Thou  from  whom  we  come,  to  whom  we  go, 
in  whom  we  live,  the  beginning  and  the  end  of  these 
swiftly  passing  days,  and  our  everlasting  home! 
give  us  to  discern  the  purpose  for  which  thou  hast 
sent  us  here,  and  help  us  to  fulfill  it.  Keep  us  from 
following  what  is  foolish  and  false  and  uprofitable. 
In  darkened  ways  be  thou  our  light;  in  perplexing 
paths  be  thou  our  guide.  Take  out  of  our  hearts  all 
suspicion  and  fear  of  thee  and  of  thy  dealings  with 
us,  and  let  our  doubts  grow  into  larger  and  richer 
confidence.  Amid  all  the  movement  and  tumult 
of  life,  amid  all  the  comings  and  goings  of  the  world, 
may  our  souls  be  at  rest  in  thee.  In  thy  hand  are 
our  times,  and  in  thy  hand,  merciful  Father,  help 
us  to  leave  them  in  quietness  of  heart.  Make  us 
ever  calm  and  strong  in  the  faith  that  thou  meanest 
well  with  us  and  with  all  thy  children,  and  that  good- 
ness and  mercy  will  follow  us  all  the  days  of  our 
life.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     227 

October  25  —  The  Race  of  Life 

Know  ye  not  that  they  that  run  in  a  race  run  all, 
but  one  receiveth  the  prize?  So  run  that  ye  may 
attain.  And  every  man  that  striveth  in  the  games 
exerciseth  self-control  in  all  things.  Now  they  do  it 
to  receive  a  corruptible  crown;  but  we  are  incor- 
ruptible. —  1  Cor.  9  :  2^. 

Gird  us  with  strength,  0  Lord,  for  the  race  which 
thou  hast  set  before  us,  enabUng  us  to  run  with 
joyful  courage  and  enduring  patience.  Unto  thee 
we  look,  in  whom  we  have  beheved  and  by  whom  we 
shall  be  brought  at  last  to  our  full  vision  and  in- 
heritance of  glory.  Let  us  not  falter  or  turn  back, 
or  have  the  least  desire  for  careless  days  and  thoughts 
directed  to  no  purpose.  Let  the  morning  waken  us 
to  gratitude  that  we  may  spend  our  lives  with  thee; 
and  the  night  bring  rest  in  remembrance  of  thy 
lovingkindness.  Be  thou  the  crown  as  thou  art 
the  giver  of  the  crown  to  those  who  run  the  race 
of  the  immortal  life.  Give  us  thyself,  in  a  continual 
companionship,  and  let  thy  Holy  Spirit  guide  us 
into  knowledge  of  the  will  of  Christ.     Amen. 

October  26  —  Kindly  Judgments 

For  this  very  cause  adding  on  your  part  all  diligence, 
in  your  faith  supply  virtue;  and  in  your  virtue 
knowledge,  and  in  your  knowledge  self-control;  and  in 
your  self-control  steadfastness,  and  in  your  steadfast- 
ness godliness;  and  in  your  godliness  brotherly  kind- 
ness; and  in  your  brotherly  kindness  love.  —  2  Pet. 
1  : 5. 


228     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

0  Thou  that  sufferest  long  and  art  kind,  keeping 
mercy  for  thousands,  forgiving  iniquity,  transgres- 
sion and  sin,  and  that  will  by  no  means  clear  the 
guilty,  restrain  us  by  the  indwelling  of  thy  Spirit, 
lest  in  judging  our  neighbor  maliciously  we  shut 
against  ourselves  the  door  of  thy  mercy.  Help  us  to 
forgive,  as  thou  hast  forgiven;  to  seek  good  in  every 
one;  to  be  slow  to  anger,  as  becometh  our  ignorance 
and  the  charity  that  thinketh  no  evil.  Thus  may 
some  true  gleams  of  thy  love  shine  for  us  in  every 
human  face.  Thou  hast  loved  us  and  given  thy 
Son  for  our  release;  let  us  not  hate  where  thou 
lovest  or  be  impatient  where  thou  waitest  long 
for  man's  return.  So  deliver  us  from  all  unchari- 
table thoughts  and  unkind  words  for  the  sake  of 
Christ.     Amen. 

October  27  —  Our  Comrade  of  the  Way 

And  behold  two  of  them  were  going  that  very  day 
to  a  village  named  Emmaus.  .  .  .  And  it  came  to  pass, 
while  they  communed  and  questioned  together,  that 
Jesus  himself  drew  near  and  went  with  them.  — 
Luke  24  :  13. 

Lord,  without  thee  we  would  not  go  upon  our 
way.  As  Christ  was  our  entrance  upon  pilgrimage, 
we  ask  according  to  his  promise  that  he  may  be 
companion  of  our  journey,  our  guide,  our  peace  and 
our  security  from  evil.  To  this  end  guard  our 
thoughts  lest  they  wander  into  forbidden  places  and 
our  imaginations  that  we  may  look  back  with  peni- 
tence and  gratitude  and  forward  in  the  confidence 
of  hope.  We  thank  thee  for  thy  forestalling  and 
preventing  love  that  made  a  clear  way  of  return  to 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     229 

thee  and  has  helped  us  in  a  thousand  cares  and  fears 
and  sorrows.  Let  us  not  go  grumbUng  on  our  road, 
when  we  have  thee  for  a  travel-companion  and  the 
joy  of  full  vision  and  acquaintance  as  the  end,  but 
give  us  an  overflowing  joy  of  heart  that  shall  make 
service  easy  and  the  brotherhood  of  men  sweet  to 
our  souls.     And  to  thee  be  praise.     Amen. 

October  28  —  The  School  of  God 

Show  me  thy  ways,  0  Lord;  teach  me  thy  paths. 
Guide  me  in  thy  truth  and  teach  ine;  for  thou  art  the 
God  of  my  salvation:  for  thee  do  I  wait  all  the  day. 
Remember,  0  Lord,  thy  tender  mercies  and  thy  loving- 
kindnesses;  for  they  have  been  ever  of  old.  —  Psalm 
25  : 4. 

Spirit  of  God  who,  teaching,  takest  of  the  things 
of  Christ  and  showest  them  to  us,  give  faith  and 
patience  for  the  lessons  of  thy  school.  Since  thou 
wilt  guide  our  thought  and  shape  our  learning, 
make  us  well  content  to  pass  from  the  lower  to  the 
higher  stages  as  thy  wisdom  shall  elect.  Keep  us 
from  blind  refusal  of  thy  will.  Give  courage  for 
strange  experiences.  Help  us  to  look  to  Christ, 
our  great  example,  to  work  in  the  serenity  of 
heart  he  knew  and  in  communion  may  we  find  our 
rest  of  heart.  We  thank  thee  for  the  companions  of 
the  school  —  those  who  have  gone  before,  leaving 
us  their  helpful  story  of  diligence  and  strength, 
those  who  are  just  beginning  whom,  by  thy  favor, 
we  may  aid  and  guide.  Perfect  thy  will  concerning 
us.  Train  and  enable  us  to  choose  aright.  And 
bring  the  kingdom  of  Christ's  desire  and  purpose 
in.     Amen. 


^30     PRAYiERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

October  29  —  Confidence  in  God 

Now  unto  Mm  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly 
above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  according  to  the  power 
that  worketh  in  us,  unto  him  be  the  glory  in  the  church 
and  in  Jesus  Christ  unto  all  the  generations  of  the 
age  of  the  ages.  — Eph.  3  :  20. 

We  thank  thee,  our  Father,  that  thou  art  better 
to  us  than  our  own  hearts  have  desired:  more 
faithful  than  our  loyalty,  more  far-seeing  than  our 
own  prevision  of  the  wisdom  needed  for  the  years. 
When  we  are  tempted  to  be  impatient  with  thy 
ways,  help  us  by  the  indwelling  of  thy  Spirit  to  re- 
joice in  thee  more  than  in  all  thy  gifts.  We  would 
not  seek  to  hurry  thee,  who  hast  shown  long-suffering 
patience  with  our  listlessness.  Make  it  our  crown 
of  blessing  day  by  day  to  do  thy  will.  Let  not  thy 
denials  be  a  veil  to  hide  thy  face  from  us.  Teach  us 
to  find  thy  presence  in  the  little  blessings,  the  un- 
regarded gifts,  the  common  experiences  of  our  lives. 
Enable  us  to  go  without  complaint  and  with  all  joy 
of  childhood's  faith  and  love  along  the  road  which 
thou  hast  chosen  for  us,  in  the  companionship  of 
him  who  bore  our  trials  in  his  life  on  earth  and  died 
to  bring  us  pardon,  peace  of  heart  and  joyful  hope. 
And  to  thy  name  be  praise!     Amen. 

October  30  —  The  Nobler  Choice 

//  then  ye  were  raised  together  with  Christ,  seek  the 
things  that  are  above,  where  Christ  is,  seated  on  the 
right  hand  of  God.  Set  your  mind  on  the  things  that 
are  above,  not  on  the  things  that  are  upon  the  earth.  — 
Col.3  :  L 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     231 

0  Thou  in  whose  image  we  are  made  and  by  whose 
life  we  Uve,  help  us  ever  to  think  as  thou  thinkest  of 
the  good  and  evil  between  which  we  must  so  con- 
tinually choose.  By  the  power  of  thy  Holy  Spirit^ 
ever  our  Guest  and  Guide,  enable  us  to  lead  the 
noble  life  which  thou  hast  made  the  heritage  of  thy 
children  and  to  seek  those  gifts  which  belong  with 
the  enduring  love  by  which  we  know  thee  in  our 
Elder  Brother,  Jesus  Christ.  Help  us  to  close  the 
door  of  our  mind  to  all  unworthy  and  selfish  thoughts 
and  to  conform  our  lives  ever  more  nearly  to  thy 
wise  and  holy  purpose  for  our  sojourn  on  the  earth. 
We  bless  thee  for  the  fellowship  of  those  who,  by 
thy  grace,  pursue  this  nobler  life.  Make  us  worthy 
of  that  high  companionship  and  helpful  in  its  work 
for  thee.    In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


October  31  —  Opening  the  Door  to  God 

Beloved,  if  God  so  loved  us,  we  also  ought  to  love  one 
another.  No  man  hath  beheld  God  at  any  time:  if  we 
love  one  another,  God  abideth  in  us  and  his  love  is  per- 
fected in  us:  hereby  we  know  that  we  abide  in  him  and 
he  in  us,  because  he  hath  given  us  of  his  Spirit. — 
1  John  4  '11- 

0  thou  who  hast  sought  us  with  a  patient  love 
that  has  never  been  discouraged  by  our  refusals,  we 
would  open  the  door  of  our  hearts  this  day  and  in- 
vite thee  to  come  in.  Feed  us  with  thy  bounty,  we 
beseech  thee,  taking  of  what  thou  findest  in  our 
store  and  by  the  blessing  of  thy  power  making  it  suf- 
ficient for  thee  and  us  as  we  commune  together. 
Let  the  inspiration  of  thy  presence  lead  us  to  joyful 


232     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

work.  May  we  be  taught  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  bear- 
ing witness  by  our  manner  of  hfe  and  by  our  will  to 
help  and  serve,  so  long  as  thou  shalt  give  us  our  place 
of  work  on  earth.    Amen. 


November    1  —  All   Saints'    Day  —  The   Com- 
munion of  Saints 

For  they  are  thine:  and  all  things  that  are  mine  are 
thine,  and  thine  are  mine:  and  I  am  glorified  in  them. 
And  I  am  no  more  in  the  world,  and  these  are  in  the 
world,  and  I  come  to  thee.  Holy  Father,  keep  them  in 
thy  name  which  thou  hast  given  me,  that  they  may  be 
one,  even  as  we  are. —  John  17  :  9. 

We  give  thee  heartfelt  thanks,  0  Lord,  for  the  en- 
during faith,  the  common  hope  and  purpose  of  thy 
church,  the  growing  fellowship  of  earnest  souls  in 
thee.  In  our  seeming  isolation  show  us  how  we  may 
take  courage  in  remembrance  of  that  glorious  com- 
pany in  heaven  and  earth  who  are  all  one  in  thy 
abounding  life.  Remove  all  stumbling-blocks  of 
pride,  self-will  and  ancient  prejudice,  that  this  lov- 
ing unity  of  thy  people  may  be  clear  to  a  divided 
world.  So  nourish  all  faithful  souls  with  thy  divine 
and  holy  life  that  they  may  draw  together  in  thy 
service.  Increase  our  joy  in  brotherhood.  Help  us 
to  grow  in  patience  and  forbearance,  in  sympathy 
and  power  to  understand  and  aid.  And  may  the 
blessing  of  fellowship  be  added  to  the  peace  of  faith 
in  every  Christian  heart.  For  thou  art  our  Life  and 
Light,  our  Head  and  Glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     233 

November  2  —  All  Souls'  Day  —  A  Thanksgiv- 
ing for  the  Departed 

But  ye  are  come  .  .  .  unto  the  city  of  the  living 
God,  .  .  .  and  to  innumerable  hosts,  the  general  as- 
sembly of  angels  and  the  church  of  the  firstborn  who  are 
enrolled  in  heaven,  and  to  God  the  judge  of  all,  and  to 
the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect.  .  .  . —  Heb. 
12  :  22. 

0  God  of  all  the  living,  we  thank  thee  for  the 
happy  memory  of  those  whom  thou  hast  called  out 
of  this  transitory  life  into  the  eternal  joy  of  thy 
presence.  Thine  they  were  upon  the  earth,  as  we 
are  thine;  and  we  thank  thee  that  they  are  and  we 
are  thine  in  differing  experience  still.  Though  our 
eyes  cannot  see  them  and  our  ears  are  deaf  to  their 
remembered  voices,  we  bless  thee  that  they  are 
never  absent  from  thy  loving  care.  We  thank  thee 
for  their  lives  of  earthly  service,  for  the  happy  days 
we  spent  in  their  companionship,  the  example  of 
their  faith  and  patience,  the  teaching  of  their  words 
and  deeds,  and  for  their  share  in  heaven's  new  oppor- 
tunities of  service.  We  confess  to  thee  our  neglects 
and  transgressions,  our  coldness  and  misapprehen- 
sion while  they  lived  upon  the  earth,  which  we  may 
no  more  confess  to  them.  Our  hearts  have  rest, 
knowing  that  thy  love  changes  not  and  that  they  see 
thy  face  with  unobstructed  vision.  Help  us  so  to 
live  that  they  may  welcome  us  with  joy  when  thou 
shalt  call  us  to  thyself  at  last.  And  to  thee,  0  Christ, 
our  risen  and  ascended  Lord,  be  praise  forevermore. 
Amen. 


234     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

November  3  —  In  Disheartenment 

Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  thou  wilt  re- 
vive me.  .  .  .  And  thy  right  hand  will  save  me.  The 
Lord  will  perfect  that  which  concerneth  me:  thy  loving 
kindness,  0  Lord,  endureth  forever;  forsake  not  the 
works  of  thine  own  hands. —  Psalms  138  :  7. 

God  of  all  patience,  who  in  the  fullness  of  time  hast 
revealed  thyself  to  men  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
have  mercy  upon  us  in  the  uncertainty  and  discour- 
agement of  our  human  life.  When  we  wait  in  dark- 
ness, longing  earnestly  to  see,  and  see  not  anything; 
when  we  grope  in  ignorance,  and  knowledge  comes 
not  or  comes  too  late;  when  we  are  eager  to  choose 
and  act,  and  have  no  light  upon  decision ;  when  the 
shadow  of  our  own  sin  brings  doubt  upon  our  way, 
have  pity  upon  us,  0  God!  Out  of  this  trial  of  pa- 
tience, this  endurance  of  suspense,  this  torture  of 
uncertainty,  cause  thy  strength  to  grow  in  our 
hearts  that,  having  kept  the  word  of  thy  patience, 
thou  mayest  keep  us  in  the  hour  of  trial.  Help  us 
to  remember  the  sure  working  of  thy  will  for  good  in 
all  thy  children's  lives,  the  rest  that  remaineth,  the 
assurance  of  eternal  hope.  And  may  our  restlessness 
be  turned  to  peace  as  we  remove  our  thoughts  from 
the  uncertainties  of  earth  to  fix  them  upon  thee. 
And  this  we  ask  in  the  name  of  him  who  suffered 
and  who  overcame.    Amen. 

November  4  —  Happy  Service 

Blessed  are  they  that  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteous- 
ness: for  they  shall  be  filled.  Blessed  are  the  merciful: 
for  they  shall  obtain  mercy.    Blessed  are  the  pure  in 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     235 

heart:  for  they  shall  see  God.  Blessed  are  the  peace- 
makers: for  they  shall  be  called  sons  of  God. —  Matt. 
5  :6. 

Heavenly  Friend  and  Lover  of  our  souls,  who  art 
risen  from  the  dead  that  we  might  live  to  thee,  so 
move  our  hearts  to  love  and  righteousness  by  the 
indwelling  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  that  we  may  grow  con- 
tinually more  worthy  of  thy  friendship.  Make  us 
strong  against  temptation,  quick  to  discern  the  in- 
dications of  thy  will  and  ready  to  follow  in  the  way 
of  thy  commandment.  May  we  be  happy  in  our 
service,  patient  in  waiting,  triumphant  in  assurance 
of  thy  loving  purpose.  Come  as  a  friend  to  share 
our  joy  and  grief  and  make  us  partakers  of  thy 
thought  and  work.  For  thine  is  the  call  that  we 
have,  heard  and  thine  is  our  heart's  love  forever- 
more.    Amen. 


November  5  —  For  the  Nation 

Blessed  are  they  that  keep  justice,  and  he  that  doeth 
righteousness  at  all  times.  Remember  me,  0  Lord, 
with  the  favor  that  thou  bear  est  unto  thy  people.  .  .  . 
That  I  may  see  the  prosperity  of  thy  chosen,  that  I 
may  rejoice  in  the  gladness  of  thy  nation,  that  I  may 
glory  with  thine  inheritance.  —  Psalm  106  : 3. 

0  God,  who  hast  made  us  a  place  of  influence 
among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  teach  us  to  walk 
before  thee  in  justice  and  righteousness  —  we  and 
our  children's  children  —  that  thou  mayst  abide 
among  us  as  our  God  and  King.  Thou  hast  kept 
us  in  all  the  years  of  our  fathers  and  raised  up  help 
in  every  time  of  need;  forsake  us  not  in  these  latter 


-y 


236     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

days,  but  guide  us  with  a  wisdom  higher  than  our 
own.  Bless  our  rulers  with  understanding  hearts, 
that  they  may  turn  away  from  all  self-seeking  to 
serve  the  people  and  obey  thy  will.  Grant,  if  it 
please  thee,  abundant  harvests  and  a  returning  and 
abiding  peace.  Prosper  our  labors,  and  deliver  us 
from  tumult  and  calamity.  Pardon  the  sins  of  thy 
people  and  keep  us  in  the  hour  of  temptation,  lest 
we  fall  into  the  folly  of  pride  through  which  nations 
perish.  And  may  thy  church  be  strong  for  witness 
in  the  midst  of  the  people.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

November  6  —  Springs  of  Water 

The  poor  and  need^  seek  water,  and  there  is  none, 
and  their  tongue  faileth  for  thirst;  I  the  Lordf  will 
answer  them.  .  .  .  I  will  not  forsake  them.  I  will 
open  rivers  on  the  bare  heights,  and  fountains  in  the 
midst  of  the  valleys;  I  will  make  the  ivild.erness  a 
pool  of  water  and  the  dry  land  springs  of  water.  — 
Is.  41  :  17. 

Fountain  of  all  grace,  of  pure  desire,  of  peace  and 
truth  and  lovingkindness,  enrich  my  poverty  from 
thy  full  springs  of  good.  From  thee  alone,  my 
Father,  I  look  for  satisfaction  of  those  great  and 
deep  desires  which  thou  hast  thyself  implanted  in 
my  soul.  Be  thou  the  fountain  whence  I  may 
drink  and  live.  Fill  me  with  the  refreshing  waters 
of  thy  grace,  that  they  may  overflow  in  blessing 
to  the  world.  When  I  have  set  my  heart  on  earthly 
good,  let  me  not  wonder  that  even  in  attainment 
there  is  no  enduring  pleasure.  Keep  me  from 
satisfaction  with  the  lower  gift,  lest  thy  companion- 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     237 

ship  and  the  joy  of  work  for  thee  should  fail  my 
heart.  Be  thou  a  spring  of  joy  in  me,  my  God, 
that  I  may  grow  like  thee  and  become  a  pure  chan- 
nel for  thy  purity  in  thought  and  word.  In  the 
name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

November  7  —  Walking  with  God 

And  Enoch  walked  with  God;  mid  he  was  not;  for 
God  took  him.  .  .  .  Noah  was  a  righteous  man  and 
blameless  m  his  generation;  Noah  walked  with  God. 
—Gen.  5  :  24;   6:9. 

0  house  of  Jacob,  co7ne  ye,  and  let  us  walk  in  the 
light  of  the  Lord.  —  Is.2  :  5. 

TKou  ever-present  comfort  in  distress,  staff  of 
my  lameness,  rest  of  my  heart  in  weariness,  my 
Lord  and  Friend,  I  come  again  to  thee  for  help,  for 
only  thou  canst  set  me  free.  Show  me  thyself 
that  I  may  glow  and  shine  amid  the  darkness  of 
these  sighing  days  with  something  of  thy  light  and 
cheer.  Give  me  to  see  beyond  my  fears  into  the 
quiet  of  thy  patience  and  the  joy  of  thy  great 
expectation.  Help  me  to  reach  below  my  changes 
to  build  upon  the  unchanging  rock  of  thy  eternal 
love.  So  aid  me  to  enter  unafraid  upon  all  earth's 
experiences  and  to  know  the  light  in  darkness  which 
thou  alone  canst  give.  And  blessed  be  thy  name 
forever  more,  my  Help  and  Stay!     Amen. 

November  8  —  Sharing  God's  Gifts 

Be  ye  merciful,  even  as  your  Father  is  mercifid. 
.  .  .  Give  and  it  shall  be  given  unto  you;  good  measure, 
pressed  down,  shaken  together,  running  over  shall  they 


238     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

give  into  your  bosom.  For  with  what  measure  ye 
mete  it  shall  be  measured  to  you  again. — Luke 
6  :  36. 

What  thou  sendest  and  I  need,  my  God,  let  me 
not  ask  solely  for  my  own  dehght  or  rest  of  heart. 
Give  me  what  I  may  share,  in  love  of  thee  and  dear 
remembrance  of  thy  mercy.  Let  even  the  mystery 
of  thy  presence  in  ray  heart  fit  me  for  influence  and 
help.  Thou  hast  made  this  wonder  of  self,  by  which 
I  stand  apart:  0  breathe  into  it  thine  own  joy  of 
kindliness,  thy  will  to  bless!  Open  my  eyes  to  see 
my  neighbor's  need.  Suffer  me  not  to  be  over- 
whelmed by  the  world's  sorrows.  Make  me  strong 
for  ministry,  ready  to  give  myself  to  others,  humble 
to  receive  from  those  whom  thou  shalt  send,  cheer- 
ful in  thought  and  word  because  thy  love  turns  all 
experience  to  good.  So  in  simplicity  of  faith  and 
by  the  leading  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  aid  me.  In  the 
name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


November  9  —  A  Watered  Garden 

And  thou  shalt  be  like  a  watered  garden,  and  like  a 
spring  of  water,  whose  waters  fail  not.  And  they 
that  shall  be  of  thee  shall  build  the  old  waste  'places: 
thou  shalt  raise  up  the  foundations  of  many  genera- 
tions; and  thou  shalt  be  called  The  repairer  of  the 
breach,  The  restorer  of  paths  to  dwell  in.  —  7s.  58  :  11. 

With  all  our  hearts,  our  Father,  we  desire  thy 
love,  for  without  thee  we  are  but  as  strangers  and 
aliens  in  the  earth.  Satisfy  our  hunger  with  the 
bread  of  God.  Quench  our  thirst  with  the  living 
waters  of  thy  love.     Be  thou  sufficient  for  us,  en- 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     239 

larging  our  desire  as  thou  dost  minister  to  it.  Re- 
member, 0  most  merciful,  those  who  are  homesick 
in  the  earth,  knowing  not  thee.  Reveal  thyself  to 
them,  that  they  may  rejoice  with  us  in  thy  rich 
fatherhood.  Enable  us  so  to  live  that  some  witness 
of  thy  love  and  care  may  go  forth  to  those  who 
long  for  thee,  not  knowing  that  thou  art  content- 
ment and  rejoicing  for  the  hearts  of  men.  0  send 
forth  thy  light,  and  thy  truth,  let  them  lead  us, 
until  one  joyful  brotherhood  dwells  upon  earth  and 
all  men  praise  thee  for  thy  lovingkindness.  Let 
that  great  company  of  Christ's  true  followers  trans- 
form the  earth,  and  in  the  mighty  changes  let  us 
have  some  little  part.    Amen. 


November  10  — God  With  Us 

The  life  was  manifested,  .  .  .  the  eternal  life,  which 
was  with  the  Father,  and  was  manifested  unto  us;  that 
which  we  have  seen  and  heard  declare  we  unto  you  also, 
that  ye  may  have  fellowship  with  us:  yea,  and  our  fel- 
lowship is  with  the  Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus 
Christ. —  1  John  1  :  2. 

0  Thou  who  desirest  of  thy  grace  to  make  a  home 
in  our  poor  hearts,  we  thank  thee  for  assurance  of 
thy  love  in  the  birth  of  thy  Son  who  was  called  Im- 
manuel.  May  he  become  to  us  the  joyful  token  of 
thy  presence,  for  thou  alone  canst  still  the  hunger  of 
our  hearts.  Help  us  to  make  ready  for  thee  by  d3dng 
unto  sin  and  learning  the  new  way  of  life  in  upright- 
ness. Let  the  experience  of  thy  love  kindle  our 
heart's  affection  toward  the  wide  brotherhood  of 
humanity.     Teach  us  to  be  faithful  in  all  human 


240     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

relations,  loyal  to  the  work  thou  hast  assigned  us, 
cheerful  in  all  experiences,  well-assured  that  thou 
art  leading  us  in  the  way.  So  let  thy  kingdom  come 
and  the  Christlike  life  be  born  in  us  for  the  help  of 
the  world.    In  his  name.    Amen. 


November  11  —  Unworldliness 

For  all  that  is  in  the  world,  the  lust  of  the  flesh  and 
the  lust  of  the  eyes  and  the  vainglory  of  life,  is  not  of 
the  Father,  but  is  of  the  world.  And  the  world  passeth 
away,  and  the  lust  thereof:  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of 
God  abideth  forever. —  1  John  2  :  16. 

Let  not  my  heart  be  fixed,  0  Lord,  upon  the 
world  which  is  organized  in  denial  or  in  carelessness 
of  thee,  or  seek  that  which  is  loved  only  by  those 
who  have  turned  away  from  thee.  Help  me  to  dis- 
tinguish between  that  which  life  offers  of  innocent 
occupation  and  pleasure  and  that  which  the  true 
purpose  of  my  life  with  Christ  forbids.  Fix  my  love 
upon  the  concerns  of  thy  kingdom  and  teach  me  the 
delight  of  loyalty.  Let  me  never  doubt  that  the 
place  of  my  appointment  is  the  place  of  thy  purpose 
for  my  work  and  training.  Yet  keep  me  from  so 
narrow  a  range  of  hope  and  thought  as  earth  can 
bound.  Let  not  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of  the 
eyes,  or  the  pride  of  life  have  dominion  over  me ;  but 
take  thy  throne  in  my  heart  and  rule.  Use  me  for 
thy  purposes  and  train  me  in  thy  using.  For  thine 
is  the  kingdom  and  the  power  and  the  glory,  for- 
ever.   Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     241 

November    12  —  The   Fruits   of   Steadfastness 

And  that  which  fell  among  the  thorns,  these  are  they 
that  have  heard,  and  as  they  go  on  their  way  they  are 
choked  with  cares  and  riches  and  pleasures  of  this  life, 
and  hririg  no  fruit  to  perfection.  And  that  in  the  good 
ground,  these  are  such  as  in  an  honest  and  good  heart, 
having  heard  the  word,  hold  it  fast,  and  bring  forth 
fruit  with  steadfastness. — Luke  8  :  14' 

Lord,  thou  knowest  us  altogether  and  we  are  glad 
to  have  it  so.  We  thank  thee  thai  with  heartfelt 
confidence  in  thy  knowledge  we  may  come  to  un- 
burden our  hearts  in  words  we  cannot  speak  to  any 
one  on  earth.  Help  us  with  courage,  that  we  may 
bear  our  load  without  complaining.  Sustain  us  and 
bring  thy  will  to  pass  even  in  the  hidden  and  per- 
plexing experiences  of  life.  When  secret  cares  weigh 
heavily  and  troubles  cloud  our  thoughts,  may  we  so 
live  and  speak  as  not  to  bring  a  shadow  upon  the 
lives  of  other?.  Make  thou  a  way  for  us  where  to 
our  darkened  eyes  no  waj'"  seems  possible;  and  give 
us  patience  to  carry  the  load  we  may  not  lay  down 
with  cheerful  courage  to  the  end.  In  the  name  of 
the  merciful  and  compassionate  Jesus  who  ever  lives 
to  be  the  partner  of  our  experience  and  to  make  us 
shd,rers  in  his  divine  inheritance.    Amen.  , 

November  13  —  Quietness  of  Heart 

In  that  day  shall  this  song  be  sung  in  the  land  of 
Judah:  we  have  a  strong  city.  Salvation  will  he  ap- 
point for  walls  and  bulwarks.  Open  ye  the  gates,  that 
the  righteous  nation  which  keepeth  truth  may  enter  in. 


242     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  'perfect  peace  whose  mind  is 
stayed  on  thee:  because  he  trusteth  in  thee. —  7s.  26  : 1. 

Give  me,  0  Lord,  that  quietness  of  heart  which 
makes  the  most  of  labor  and  of  rest.  Save  me  from 
passionate  excitement,  petulant  fretfulness  and 
idle  fear,  keeping  me  ever  in  the  restful  presence  of 
thy  love.  Teach  me  to  be  alert  and  wise  in  all  re- 
sponsibilities, without  hurry  and  without  neglect. 
Tame  thou  and  rule  my  tongue,  that  I  may  not 
transgress  thy  law  of  love.  When  others  censure 
may  I  seek  thine  image  in  my  fellow-men,  judging 
with  charity  as  one  who  shall  be  judged.  Banish 
envy  from  my  thought  and  hatred  from  my  lips. 
Help  me  to  be  content,  amid  the  strife  of  tongues, 
T\ith  my  unspoken  thought.  When  anxious  cares 
threaten  my  peace,  help  me  to  run  to  thee  that  I 
may  find  my  rest  and  be  made  strong  for  calm  en- 
durance and  for  valiant  service.  In  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord.     Amen. 

November  14  —  For  Wisdom 

Hast  thou  not  known?  Hast  thou  not  heard?  The 
everlasting  God,  the  Lord,  the  Creator  of  the  ends  of  the 
earth,  fainteth  not,  neither  is  weary;  there  is  no  seanch- 
ing  of  his  understanding.  He  giveth  power  to  the  faint; 
and  to  him  that  hath  no  might  he  increaseth  strength. — 
7s.  40  :  28. 

We  thank  thee  that  thy  wisdom,  our  Father,  is 
height  above  our  climbing,  depth  beneath  our 
thought,  treasure  that  endless  search  cannot  ex- 
haust. Because  we  know  thee  in  our  life  mth  Christ, 
enable  us  to  trust  thee  in  the  hidden  things  which 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     243 

we  can  never  know,  or  know  not  yet.  We  rejoice 
that  all  is  thine  and  trust  thy  love  to  teach  us  in  its 
own  good  time  all  that  we  need  to  understand.  Give 
us  wisdom  that  we  may  live  according  to  thy  will. 
Add  from  thy  boundless  store  knowledge  to  gratify 
the  craving  thou  thyself  hast  made.  Let  us  be  eager 
to  learn,  yet  free  from  all  disquietude  of  heart.  Let 
us  not  dream  that  there  is  rest  in  knowledge  or  that 
from  any  mount  of  vision  the  whole  mystery  of  thy 
work  will  be  made  clear.  And  from  the  hidden 
treasure  of  thy  grace  make  even  our  dark  days 
bright.     Amen. 


November  15  —  Growth  in  Unconscious  Hour 

Except  the  Lord  build  the  house,  they  labor  in  vain 
that  build  it:  Except  the  Lord  keep  the  city,  the  watch- 
man waketh  but  in  vain.  It  is  vain  for  you  to  rise  up 
early,  to  take  rest  late,  to  eat  the  bread  of  toil:  for  so  he 
giveth  unto  his  beloved  in  sleep. —  Psalm  127  : 1. 

0  Lord,  be  with  us  in  our  unconscious  and  un- 
guarded hours  that  we  may  still  be  growing  in  our  life 
with  thee.  When  our  thoughts  are  taken  up  with 
necessary  work  or  with  the  refreshment  that  we  need, 
hold  us  that  we  fail  not  in  our  growth  toward  thy  full 
likeness.  Make  us  like  trees  in  thy  garden,  that  are 
not  hurt  by  the  coming  of  the  winter:  like  thy  saints 
that  rise  from  the  forgetfulness  of  sleep  with  thank- 
ful hearts,  to  go  upon  their  way  with  faith  renewed 
and  courage  quickened.  Let  all  our  days  be  thine, 
whether  the  sun  shines  or  the  shadow  falls,  and  teach 
us  not  to  depend  upon  our  momentary  feeling,  but 
upon  thy  pledged  and  eternal  word  of  love  and 


244     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

power.  Steady  and  control  our  hearts  amid  the 
overturnings  of  this  present  Ufe,  that  we  may  be  free 
from  all  anxiety  about  today,  or  tomorrow,  or 
the  unknown  experiences  of  the  world  to  come.  In 
the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


November  16  —  Confidence  of  Faith 

For  the  grace  of  God  hath  appeared,  bringing  salva- 
tion to  all  men,  instructing  us,  to  the  intent  that,  deny- 
ing ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  we  should  live 
soberly  and  righteously  and  godly  in  this  present 
world;  looking  for  the  blessed  hope  and  appearing  of 
the  glory  of  the  great  God  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
—  Titus  2  :  11. 

Lord,  I  desire  a  better  confidence,  depending  less 
on  what  I  see  and  more  upon  remembrance  of  thy 
love  in  Christ  and  faith  in  thy  most  wise  and  loving 
purposes  for  man.  Keep  me  from  too  eager  wishes 
that  the  present,  with  its  joys  and  comforts,  might 
remain.  Let  me  not  dread  the  future,  either  in  de- 
sire for  others  or  in  thoughts  of  seK.  Teach  me  the 
joy  of  going  on,  in  full  assurance  that  the  path  thou 
choosest  will  lead  me  whither  thou  wouldst  have  me 
go.  Still  let  this  fearless  onward  look  be  mine; 
since  thou,  0  Shepherd  of  our  souls,  ever  leadest  forth 
thy  flock  with  an  unfailing  care.  Lord,  as  I  go,  de- 
clare thyself  to  me  in  fresh  experiences  of  thy  pres- 
ence and  tokens  of  thy  help,  in  cheerful  hope  and 
joyful  song,  in  happy  days  of  service  to  thy  brethren 
on  the  earth  and  an  abiding  peace.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     245 

November   17  —  Our  Help  in  Changing  Days 

And  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they  know 
not;  in  paths  that  they  know  not  will  I  lead  them;  I 
will  make  darkness  light  before  them,  and  crooked 
places  straight.  These  things  will  I  do,  and  I  will  not 
forsake  them. —  Is.  Ij.2  :  16. 

In  all  the  changes  of  our  life,  0  Lord,  our  hearts 
return  to  thee.  Thou  who  enlightenest,  show  us  thy 
way!  Thou  who  upliftest,  give  us  strength  to  rise 
from  every  fall,  wisdom  to  choose  in  each  perplexity, 
courage  to  go  forward  where  thou  callest,  though  all 
the  road  save  just  before  our  feet  be  hidden  in  the 
darkness.  When  we  reach  the  turning  points  of  life 
and  remember  all  that  we  have  missed  through  our 
own  folly  and  neglect,  help  us  with  resolute  and 
faithful  love  to  make  a  new  beginning.  For  continu- 
ance in  thy  way  grant  us  the  abiding  help  and  coun- 
sel of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  May  we  not  love  familiar 
paths  too  much,  or  dread  our  changes,  as  though 
thou  hadst  permitted  them  to  be  thy  children's  final 
loss  of  good.  In  all  experiences  be  thou  our  guide 
and  keep  our  hearts  in  peace  through  faith  in  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

November  18  —  The  Way,  the  Truth,  the  Life 

Now  ye  are  the  body  of  Christ,  and  members  each  in 
his  part.  .  .  .  But  desire  earnestly  the  greater  gifts. 
And  moreover  a  most  excellent  way  show  I  unto  you. 
.  .  .  Follow  after  love;  yet  desire  earnestly  spiritual 
gifts,  but  rather  that  ye  may  prophesy. —  1  Cor.  12  :  27. 

O  Thou  who  art  the  way,  the  truth  and  the  life, 
dwell  in  my  heart,  I  pray  thee,  and  transform  my 


246     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

will  until  it  chooses  only  good  and  seeks  the  highest 
good  of  all;  my  affections  until  thy  love  finds  echo  in 
my  love  and  all  my  friendships  are  purified  and  glori- 
fied; my  thoughts,  until  they  reflect  thy  thoughts  as 
in  the  mirror  a  serene  and  living  stream.  Let  not 
sin  have  dominion  over  me,  or  doubt  disturb  my  joy, 
or  the  complexities  and  cares  of  life  destroy  my  sim- 
plicity of  faith  and  love.  Use  me,  0  Lord,  for  thy 
great  work  on  earth.  Give  me  to  share  thy  joy  in 
mercy  and  in  service.  Make  the  earth  bright  in 
stormy  days  with  the  sunlight  of  thy  presence  and 
lead  me  in  thy  way  of  peace  and  strength.    Amen. 

November   19  —  The  Source  of  Our  Content 

The  eyes  of  all  wait  for  thee:  and  thou  givest  them 
their  food  in  due  season.  Thou  openest  thy  hand,  and 
satisfiest  every  living  thing  with  favor.  .  .  .  The  Lord 
is  nigh  unto  all  them  that  call  wpon  him,  to  all  that  call 
upon  him  in  truth.  He  will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them 
that  fear  him:  he  will  hear  their  cry,  and  will  save 
them. —  Psalm  145  :  15. 

Be  thou,  0  Lord,  the  source  of  our  content  and 
satisfy  our  hearts  amid  the  trials  and  the  changes  of 
the  earth.  Be  thou  our  peace  when  gifts  of  life  fade 
before  us  as  we  go  and  troubles  crowd  about  our 
way.  Dwell  ever  in  our  hearts,  0  Spirit  of  the  Living 
God,  our  Comforter  and  Guide,  to  make  us  ill-con- 
tent with  sin  and  all  the  fruits  of  sin.  Set  us  free 
from  our  dependence  upon  transient  happiness,  that 
we  may  share  the  eternal  joy  of  Christ  our  Lord. 
Let  courage  grow  out  of  our  rest  of  heart,  patience 
with  others,  quiet  endurance  of  our  sorrows  and  our 
cares,  love  that  shall  be  like  sunlight  on  the  shadowed 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     247 

way  of  all  with  whom  we  walk.  And  with  our 
growth  in  knowledge  ever  deepen  our  delight  in 
thee,  whose  love  surpasses  knowledge.  Through 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

November  20  —  Companions  of  Christ 

As  therefore  ye  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so 
walk  in  him,  rooted  and  builded  up  in  him,  and 
established  in  your  faith,  even  as  ye  were  taught, 
abounding  in  thanksgiving.  —  Col.  2:6. 

True  Brother  of  men,  who  all  thy  life  on  earth 
wast  the  companion  of  our  experiences  and  the 
friend  of  all  in  need,  we  thank  thee  that  thou  art 
present  with  us  as  we  toil  and  rest,  our  companion 
in  solitude,  our  friend  in  the  crowded  ways.  Help 
us  to  seek  thee  in  the  common  worship  of  thy  people 
but,  no  less,  in  the  thronged  meeting-places  of  our 
daily  business.  As  thou  returnedst  ever  from  the 
place  of  secret  prayer  to  the  crowd,  still  welcome  all 
burdened  hearts  as  guests  of  thy  choosing.  Let  us, 
in  our  weakness,  even  us,  0  Lord !  learn  something 
of  the  secret  of  the  hfe  that  gathers  strength  from 
communion  with  the  Father  in  heaven  that  it  may 
spend  it  for  the  needs  of  men  on  earth.  Teach 
us  what  we  owe  of  love  to  God  and  to  our  brother. 
Give  joy  and  strength  for  effective  service  through 
the  indwelling  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  and  the  love  of  life 
with  men  in  thine  own  power  of  brotherhood. 
Amen. 

November  21  —  Deepening  Life 

Behold  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  be- 
stowed upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  children 
of  God!  .  .  .  Beloved,  now  are  we  children  of  God, 


248     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

and  it  is  not  yet  made  manifest  what  we  shall  he. 
We  know  that  if  he  shall  be  manifested,  we  shall  he 
like  him;  for  we  shall  see  him  even  as  he  is.  And 
every  one  that  hath  this  hope  in  him  purifieth  himself, 
even  as  he  is  pure.  —  1  John  3:1. 

Unto  thee,  0  most  merciful,  most  loving  and  most 
holy,  we  whom  thou  hast  made  and  called,  come  with 
longing  and  repentant  hearts,  knowing  that  we  have 
often  sinned  against  love  and  desirous  of  that  pure 
and  holy  life  which  only  thou  canst  give.  Deepen 
our  sense  of  what  love  means  —  thy  love  that  for 
our  need  withheld  not  thine  own  beloved  Son,  the 
love  of  home  and  friends  and  all  affections  which 
thou  hast  consecrated  upon  earth  for  joy  and 
growth.  Broaden  our  sympathy  until  we  see  men 
as  thou  seest  them.  Encourage  and  enable  our 
hearts  to  win  that  reverence  and  self-giving  in 
which  we  shall  be  followers  of  the  most  loving  Christ. 
Teach  us  love's  patience,  purity  and  kindly  thought. 
And  let  those  whom  we  love  be  dear  to  thee,  our 
Father,  that  we  may  grow  together  in  thy  likeness, 
making  the  largest  use  of  all  the  opportunities  of 
life.     In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

November  22  —  A  Consecrated  Day 

Thy  hands  have  made  me  and  fashioned  me: 
give  me  understanding,  that  I  may  learn  thy  com- 
mandments. .  .  .  Let,  I  pray  thee,  thy  lovingkindness 
he  for  my  comfort,  according  to  thy  word  unto  thy 
servant.  —  Psalm  119  :  73. 

Accept  and  direct  all  the  beginnings  which  we 
make  this  day,  0  God,  and  suffer  us  not  to  enter 
upon  evil  or  to  fail  in  good.     Wherever  thy  Spirit 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     249 

leads  us,  help  us  to  go  with  quiet  faith  and  courage 
and  with  unfaltering  love.  If  thou  indeed  hast 
called  us  to  this  day's  experience,  grant  us  thy  help, 
that  we  may  do  our  part  with  ready  minds.  Defend 
us  in  troubles  and  aid  us  in  doing  well.  Lift  up 
the  hght  of  thy  countenance  upon  us  and  keep  our 
hearts  in  peace  all  the  day  long.  Uphold  us  espe- 
cially in  our  responsibilities  toward  others,  that  we 
may  be  good  stewards  of  that  which  thou  hast  com- 
mitted to  our  care,  and  help  us  so  to  use  all  gifts 
that  they  may  honor  thee.  Teach  us  to  use  our 
time  as  in  thy  presence  and  our  means  as  those  who 
shall  give  account.  And  take  thou  for  the  uses  of 
thy  kingdom  what  we  bring  as  offerings  of  our  love 
and  thought,  in  the  name  and  to  the  honor  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


November  23  —  The  Comfort  of  God's  Care 

Blessed  is  he  whose  transgression  is  forgiven, 
whose  sin  is  covered.  Blessed  is  the  man  unto  whom 
the  Lord  imputeth  not  iniquity,  and  in  whose  spirit 
there  is  no  guile.  —  Psalm  32  : 1. 

Grant  unto  us.  Almighty  God,  in  aU  times  of  sore 
distress,  the  comfort  of  the  forgiveness  of  our  sins. 
In  time  of  darkness  give  us  blessed  hope,  in  time  of 
sickness  of  body  give  us  quiet  courage.  When  the 
heart  is  bowed  down,  and  the  soul  is  heavy,  and  life 
is  a  burden,  and  pleasure  a  weariness,  and  the  sun 
too  bright,  and  life  too  mirthful,  then  may  thy 
Spirit  come  upon  us.  After  our  darkness  may 
there  be  the  clear  shining  of  the  heavenly  light; 
that  so,  being  uplifted  by  thy  mercy,  we  may  pass 


250     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

on  through  this  our  mortal  life  with  quiet  courage, 
patient  hope,  and  unshaken  trust,  —  looking, 
through  thy  lovingkindness,  to  be  delivered  through 
death  into  the  larger  hfe  of  the  eternal  years.  Hear 
us  of  thy  mercy,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


November  24  —  The  Glory  of  Christ 

And  when  he  was  come  near  Jesus  asked  him,  What 
wilt  thou  that  I  should  do  unto  theef  And  he  said, 
Lord,  that  I  may  receive  my  sight.  And  Jesus  said 
unto  him.  Receive  thy  sight:  thy  faith  hath  saved  thee. 
And  immediately  he  received  his  sight,  and  followed 
him,  glorifying  God.  — Luke  18  :  Jfi. 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  all  living,  we  thank 
thee  for  the  revelation  of  thy  glory  in  the  life  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  For  his  incarnation,  which  makes 
the  brotherhood  of  man  divine;  for  his  submission 
to  the  power  of  death,  wherein  he  bore  our  sins  in 
his  own  body  on  the  tree;  for  his  glorious  resurrec- 
tion, in  which  we  are  made  partakers;  and  for  the 
enduring  life  in  which  he  continues  with  his  church, 
we  bring  thee  thanks.  Help  us  to  put  away  the 
death  of  sin  and  to  live  henceforth  with  him  in  the 
new  life  of  his  resurrection.  Pity  us  in  sorrow,  that 
the  remembrance  of  his  love  may  bring  us  joy. 
Enlighten  us  in  darkness  by  the  ministration  of  thy 
Spirit  and  when  we  fall  asleep  on  earth  awaken  us  in 
thy  presence  with  the  resurrection  joy  of  those  who 
are  raised  with  Christ  in  glory.  For  thine  is  the 
power  and  majesty  and  the  eternal  kingdom  of  our 
hope  and  faith  evermore.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     251 

November  25  —  Walking  With  God 

Fear  not,  for  I  have  redeemed  thee;  I  have  called 
thee  by  thy  name,  thou  art  mine.  When  thou  passest 
through  the  waters,  I  ivill  be  with  thee;  and  through 
the  rivers,  they  shall  not  overflow  thee:  when  thou 
walkest  through  the  fire,  thou  shalt  not  be  burned; 
neither  shall  the  flame  kindle  upon  thee.  —  Is.  43  : 1. 

In  the  days  that  go  on  and  on,  0  God,  help  us  to 
walk  in  our  appointed  way  with  simple  faith  and 
cheerful  courage.  Keep  us  from  all  dishearten- 
ment,  even  when  the  changes  of  our  state  bring 
clouds  and  fears.  For  in  thee  do  we  trust.  Be  thou 
our  satisfaction  and  true  reward  of  life's  obediences. 
Make  us  sharers  of  th}''  patience,  willing  to  wait 
because  thou  hast  revealed  in  us  thy  loving  father- 
hood. But  teach  us  also  how  to  venture  in  thy 
cause,  in  the  right  way,  at  the  right  time;  and  how 
to  endure  trial  for  our  perfecting  in  the  lessons  of 
thy  Holy  Spirit's  teaching.  Come  with  thy  leading 
to  the  troubled  and  the  weary,  thy  strength  to  sus- 
tain, thy  presence  to  cheer.  And  to  thy  name  be 
praise,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


November  26  —  The  Childlike  Heart 

//  any  man  would  be  first,  he  shall  be  last  of  all, 
and  servant  of  all.  And  he  took  a  little  child  and  set 
him  in  the  midst  of  them;  and  taking  him  in  his  arms 
he  said  unto  them:  Whosoever  shall  receive  one  of 
such  little  children  in  my  name,  receiveth  me:  and 
whoso  receiveth  me,  receiveth  not  me,  but  him  that  sent 
me.  —  Mark  9  :  35. 


252     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Grant  us,  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  serve  thee  all 
the  days  of  our  pilgrimage  in  simplicity  of  heart. 
We  thank  thee  that  thou  wast  made  a  child,  and 
hast  loved  and  blessed  the  children  of  the  earth. 
We  come  into  thy  presence  with  all  humility,  seek- 
ing the  childlike  spirit  which  thou  wilt  use  and 
honor.  Deliver  us  from  pride  and  vainglory,  from 
ruinous  ambition  for  the  praise  of  men,  from  needless 
entanglement  with  the  affairs  of  this  world  and  with 
the  company  of  evil-doers.  Cure  us  of  self-decep- 
tion, that  we  may  hate  our  sin  and  find  our  rest  in 
thee.  Make  us  wise  concerning  good,  simple 
concerning  evil,  pure  in  heart  and  of  a  cheerful 
spirit.  So  furnish  us  for  use  and  help  among  our 
fellow-men.  And  thine  shall  be  our  service  and  our 
praise  forevermore.    Amen. 


November  27  —  The  Witnessing  Spirit 

But  when  the  Cornjorter  is  come,  whom  I  will  send 
unto  you  from  the  Father,  even  the  Spirit  of  truth, 
which  proceedeth  from  the  Father,  he  shall  bear  wit7iess 
of  me;  and  ye  also  shall  bear  witness  because  ye  have 
been  with  me  from  the  beginning.  —  John  15  :  26. 

Come,  Spirit  of  the  Living  God,  and  bless  thj^ 
church  with  quickened  faith  and  purer  love.  Let 
hope  abound,  filling  our  hearts  with  joyful  expecta- 
tion of  the  manifested  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Through  his  atoning  love 
release  us  from  the  heavy  burden  of  our  guilt  and 
purify  our  hearts,  that  we  may  sin  no  more.  In 
the  hour  of  our  temptation  we  would  flee  to  thee  for 
strength    to    overcome.     In    our    opportunities    of 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     253 

service  give  us  wisdom  to  choose  aright,  to  speak 
with  loving  wisdom,  to  act  with  considerate  care. 
When  the  hurry  of  the  world  lays  hold  upon  us, 
keep  our  hearts  at  rest  in  faith  and  love.  Give  us 
patience  under  our  Umitations  and  rejoicing  in 
the  better  days  and  brighter  light  of  those  who 
shall  come  after  us.    In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


November  28  —  Doing  God's  Will 

Lay  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  upon  the  earth, 
where  moth  and  rust  doth  consume,  and  where  thieves 
break  through  and  steal:  but  lay  up  for  yourselves 
treasures  in  heaven,  where  neither  moth  nor  rust 
doth  consume,  and  where  thieves  do  not  break  through 
nor  steal:  for  where  your  treasure  is,  there  will  your 
heart  be  also.  —  Matt.  6  :  19. 

0  God,  who  hast  loved  us  with  an  everlasting 
love,  help  us  to  delight  in  thy  presence,  to  seek  thy 
righteousness  and  to  forsake  the  evil  of  the  world 
that  we  may  live  to  thee.  Thou  hast  sent  us  into 
the  midst  of  earth's  cares  and  occupations,  thou 
hast  given  us  a  measure  of  earth's  gifts,  help  us  to 
use  all  for  thy  glory  and  thy  work  yet  not  to  set 
our  heart  upon  them.  Let  there  be  a  forsaking  of 
affection  where  there  must  needs  be  a  continuance 
of  use.  Fix  our  affections  upon  things  above, 
where  Christ  sitteth  on  thy  right  hand.  Help  us  to 
do  thy  will  in  helpful  ministry  to  others.  Give  us 
our  work  and  strength  to  do  it  day  by  day.  Give 
daily  bread,  and  needful  cheer  and  care.  For  Jesus' 
sake.    Amen. 


254     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

November  29  —  Single-Mindedness 

The  lamp  of  the  body  is  the  eye:  if  therefore  thine 
eye  be  single,  thy  whole  body  shall  be  full  of  light.  .  .  . 
No  man  can  serve  two  masters:  for  either  he  will  hate 
the  one  and  love  the  other,  or  else  he  will  hold  to  the 
one  and  despise  the  other.  Ye  cannot  serve  God  and 
mammon.  —  Matt.  6  :  22. 

Lord,  I  beseech  thee  that  behind  all  the  distrac- 
tions and  confusions  of  this  troubled  life  I  may 
learn  to  keep  a  quiet  heart,  always  fixed  on  thee  and 
determined  to  do  that  to  which  thou  hast  called  me. 
Let  this  singleness  of  purpose  have  the  continual 
assistance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  lest  I  be  drawn  aside 
into  evil  ways  or  lose  the  simplicity  of  faith  and  the 
communion  of  love.  Make  me  a  good  and  faithful 
neighbor,  ready  to  consider  and  give  kindly  judg- 
ments unto  all,  to  put  aside  my  will  and  interest  at 
the  call  of  love,  to  think  of  all  men  as  thy  children, 
pensioners  with  me  of  the  love  that  watches  and 
provides.  So  keep  me  from  a  double-minded  and 
distracted  life,  that  all  my  powers  in  full  agreement 
may  serve  thy  will  forevermore.     Amen. 

November  30  —  Life's  Values 

Now  therefore  fear  the  Lord,  and  serve  him  in 
sincerity  and  truth.  .  .  .  And  if  it  seem  evil  to  you  to 
serve  the  Lord,  choose  you  this  day  whom  ye  will  serve. 
.  .  .  But  as  for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve 
Jehovah.  — Josh.  21^.  :  14- 

Lord,  we  desire  by  the  teaching  of  th}^  Holy 
Spirit  to  obtain  a  just  measure  of  the  values  of  truth 
and  falsehood,  of  good  and  evil,  of  thy  work  and 
the  attractions  of  the  earth,  so  that  we  may  never 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     255 

be  troubled  or  afraid  when  we  seem  to  stand  alone 
with  thee.  Though  the  voice  of  the  whole  world 
threatens  and  opposes,  speak  thou  to  our  hearts 
that  we  may  know  what  thou  desirest  and  stand 
fast  upon  thy  side.  Help  us  to  look  beyond  these 
trying  days  to  the  judgments  and  adjustments  of 
thy  righteousness.  Keep  us  from  wilfulness,  but 
encourage  us  to  stand  fast,  doing  thy  will  as  thou 
hast  given  us  to  see  it.  Be  thou  our  hope,  and  by 
thy  confidence  in  us  encourage  us  to  desire  and  to 
attain  some  worthy  part  in  the  coming  of  thy 
kingdom  and  make  us  at  last  sharers  in  the  joy  of 
thy  triumph  in  the  earth.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

December  1  —  For  the  Day's  Work 

On  this  wise  ye  shall  bless  the  children  of  Israel: 
ye  shall  say  unto  them,  The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep 
thee.  The  Lord  make  his  face  to  shine  upon  thee, 
and  be  gracious  unto  thee:  the  Lord  lift  up  his  counte- 
nance upon  thee,  and  give  thee  peace.  So  shall  they 
put  my  name  upon  the  children  of  Israel:  and  I  will 
bless  them.  —  Numb.  6  :  23. 

Gracious  art  thou,  0  God,  and  good  to  all  who 
trust  in  thee.  Remember  thy  lovingkindness 
toward  us  and  in  every  need  uphold  us  and  uplift 
us  into  courage  by  the  joy  and  inspiration  of  thy 
presence.  Let  thy  mercy  be  our  portion  ever  more 
and  grant  us  strength  for  the  work  which  thou  hast 
given  us  to  do.  Let  it  serve  thee  for  the  building  of 
thy  kingdom  and  may  we  rejoice  in  it  with  faithful 
hearts.  Remember  not  our  transgressions  and  help 
us  to  forgive,  as  we  ask  to  be  forgiven.    Uphold 


256     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

us  in  the  hour  of  trial.  Give  us  ever  new  delight  in 
the  beauty  of  thy  holiness  and  new  aspirations  of 
attainment  through  thy  mercy  answering  and  ful- 
filling an  overcoming  faith.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

December  2  —  The  Grace  of  Cheerfulness 

Beloved,  think  it  not  strange  concerning  the  fiery 
trial  among  you,  which  cometh  upon  you  to  prove  you, 
as  though  a  strange  thing  happened  unto  you:  but 
inasmuch  as  ye  are  partakers  of  Christ's  sufferings, 
rejoice;  that  at  the  revelation  of  his  glory  also  ye  may 
rejoice  with  exceeding  joy.  —  1  Pet.  4  :  12- 

Let  us,  0  Lord,  by  the  assistance  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  still  push  on  toward  the  grace  of  cheerful- 
ness wherein  we  would  resemble  all  thy  tried  and 
victorious  saints.  Let  thy  power  be  made  effective 
in  relieving  us  of  all  gloom  and  foreboding  of 
heart.  So  shall  we  praise  thee  and  bear  wit- 
ness to  thy  love  and  mercy  while  we  walk  in  fellow- 
ship with  Christ,  our  ever  helpful  Lord.  Let  us 
not  bring  our  proud  discontent  to  thee  and  hope  to 
have  it  prove  acceptable  in  thy  sight.  Lord,  be 
merciful  unto  us  when  we  are  weary  and  uphold  us 
when  we  are  sad,  giving  us  courage  for  ourselves 
and  for  all  whom  thou  hast  made  dependent  on  us. 
And  this  we  ask  that  we  may  help  to  build  thy  king- 
dom in  the  earth.     In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

December  3  —  An  Attentive  Heart 

Take  heed  what  ye  hear:  with  what  measure  ye 
mete,  it  shall  he  measured  unto  you;  and  more  shall 
he  given  unto  you.    For  he  that  hath,  to  him  shall  he 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     257 

given:  and  he  that  hath  not,  from  him  shall  be  taken 
away  even  that  which  he  hath.  —  Mark.  4  •'  24- 

My  Father,  I  beseech  thee  not  only  for  attentive 
ears  when  thy  word  is  spoken,  but  also  for  a  Hstening 
and  obedient  heart.  Let  me  be  a  doer  of  the  word 
and  not  a  hearer  only,  to  the  peril  of  my  own  soul 
and  the  loss  of  others  whom  I  might  have  helped. 
Let  me  have  neither  part  nor  lot  in  the  hypocrisies 
and  seK-deceits  of  the  world  but  help  me  to  be  up- 
right, void  of  guile  and  careful  to  remember  thy 
honor  in  the  earth.  0  Lover  and  Pattern  of  true 
men,  in  whom  no  fault  at  aU  was  found  by  thine  own 
acquaintance  nor  by  the  voice  of  all  the  years,  Jesus, 
son  of  Mary,  Saviour  of  the  world,  send  forth  the 
Holy  Spirit  as  our  guide,  that  we  may  grow  into 
thine  image.  And  let  us  love  and  serve  thee  ever- 
more in  all  sincerity  of  heart  and  deed.    Amen. 

December  4  —  The  Bounds  of  Truth  and  Love 

Howbeit  if  ye  fulfil  the  royal  law  according  to  the 
scripture.  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself, 
ye  do  well.  .  .  .  So  speak  ye,  and  so  do,  as  men 
that  are  to  be  judged  by  a  law  of  liberty.  —  James 
2  : 8,  12. 

0  Thou,  who  hast  set  bounds  to  the  floods  and  to 
the  fire,  lest  the  works  of  man  upon  the  earth  be  con- 
sumed, help  me  in  the  life  which  thou  hast  given 
and  the  work  wnich  is  of  thy  appointing,  to  limit 
and  control  my  thoughts  and  keep  my  words  within 
the  bounds  of  truth  and  love.  Let  not  my  tongue 
become  a  fire  to  scorch  and  burn,  nor  any  hour  of 
spoken  anger  leave  me  long  regret.  Especially,  I 
beseech  thee,  let  my  thoughts  be  true  and  my  words 


258     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

both  wise  and  loving  in  the  company  of  those  whom 
thou  hast  given  me  as  friends  and  kindred  for  my 
life  on  earth.  Let  me  ever  walk  with  them  as  in 
thy  presence,  thoughtful  of  thy  work  and  honor 
and  careful  of  my  loyalty  to  Christ.  Guard  me, 
Spirit  of  Love,  from  the  fool's  idle  laughter  and  the 
scorner's  burning  hate.  Let  me  be  merry  and  wise 
and  continually  joyful  in  thy  gifts  of  love.  So  let 
my  life  bear  witness  and  become  through  thee  a 
blessing  in  the  earth.     Amen. 

December  5  —  Joy  in  God 

And  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  return,  and 
come  with  siiiging  unto  Zion;  and  everlasting  joy  shall 
be  upon  their  heads:  they  shall  obtain  gladness  and 
joy;  and  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  flee  away.  —  7s. 
SI  :  11. 

Giver  of  all  things  good,  in  whom  I  live,  by  whom 
I  am  enabled  to  accomplish  my  appointed  work 
from  day  to  day,  give  me  above  all  other  joy,  I 
pray  thee,  this  —  that  I  may  rest  and  glory  in  thy 
presence  and  that  my  heart  may  overflow  with 
gladness  in  remembrance  of  thy  love"  in  Christ. 
Thou  hast  made  me  in  thine  own  image,  let  thy  joy 
possess  my  heart.  Make  me  pure  and  loving,  even 
as  thou,  my  God.  Be  thou  my  portion.  May  I  not 
forget  thee  when  other  hopes  decay  or  friends  re- 
move, or  wishes  fail.  Make  thy  fatherhood  real 
and  clear  to  my  too  often  troubled  and  unfaithful 
heart.  In  the  light  of  that  great  joy  and  of  thy 
confidence  may  I  go  on  to  serve  thee  through  cheerful 
and  obedient  days  and  find  the  home  at  last  where 
I  shall  dwell  in  joy  with  thee  forevermore.    Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     259 

December  6  —  Thy  Kingdom  Come 

From  that  time  began  Jesus  to  preach  and  to  say, 
Repent  ye,  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand.  .  .  . 
And  Jesus  went  about  in  all  Galilee,  teaching  in  their 
synagogues  and  preaching  the  good  tidings  of  the 
kingdom  and  healing  all  manner  of  disease  and  all 
manner  of  sickness  among  the  people.  —  Matt.  4  '•  i7. 

Lord,  I  desire  the  coming  of  thy  kingdom  and  the 
doing  of  thy  will  on  earth  with  all  my  heart.  Abide 
with  me,  that  by  the  assistance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit 
I  may  overcome  the  hindering  powers  of  evil  in  my 
life.  Make  me  a  joyful  helper  in  thy  work,  a  bearer 
of  thy  light  to  men  in  purity  of  heart  and  word,  by 
faith  and  zeal,  justice  and  charity,  kindness  and 
continual  cheer.  Help  me  to  be  always  ready  with 
my  witness  to  thy  love.  When  I  bring  my  offering 
for  thy  service,  may  I  remember  my  brother's  need 
and  all  the  blessings  of  thy  presence  in  my  life. 
Come,  Spirit  of  the  Living  God,  Witness  and  Advo- 
cate! to  bless  thy  church,  to  make  thy  people  ready 
for  the  work,  to  bring  in  truth  and  peace  and  joy 
for  men.     In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 


December  7  —  The  Light  of  the  Soul 

The  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salvation,  whom  shall 
I  fear?  The  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life;  of  whom 
shall  I  be  afraid?  .  .  .  One  thing  have  I  desired  of 
the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek  after:  thai  I  may  dwell 
in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,  to 
behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  and  to  inquire  in  his 
temple.  —  Psalm  ^7:1. 


260     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

0  Thou,  true  Light  of  the  morning  and  the  eve- 
ning, shine  upon  our  souls  and  dispel  our  darkness. 
When  the  day  dawns,  may  we  awake  with  thee. 
In  work  and  pleasure  go  with  us  that  we  may  refer 
all  questions  to  thy  wisdom  and  know  thy  rejoicing 
in  all  that  we  enjoy.  Gird  us  for  toil.  Keep  us 
from  lassitude.  Enrich  us  with  patience.  Let  our 
courage  be  full  of  cheer  and  the  light  of  laughter 
come  to  rest  our  minds.  When  the  day  is  over  and 
we  turn  to  rest,  afford  us  some  sweet  thoughts  of 
thy  lovingkindness  and  some  lively  hopes  of  over- 
coming by  thine  aid.  0  Thou  who  hast  prepared  the 
rest  that  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God,  let  our 
sleep  of  the  night  become  a  foretaste  of  that  refresh- 
ment and  our  work  a  preparation  for  its  joyful 
service.  Blessed  be  Thou  by  whom  we  live,  in  the 
morning  and  at  noon  and  at  eventide,  forevermore! 
Amen. 

December  8  —  Besetting  Sins 

Let  not  sin  therefore  reign  in  your  mortal  body, 
that  ye  should  obey  the  lusts  thereof:  .  .  .  but  present 
yourselves  unto  God,  as  alive  from  the  dead,  and  your 
members  as  instruments  of  righteousness  unto  God. 
For  sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you:  for  ye  are 
not  under  law,  but  under  grace.  —  Rom.  6  :  12. 

Help,  Lord,  with  our  besetting  sins  that  they  may 
no  more  have  dominion  over  us.  Enable  us  to  live 
with  such  courage  and  simplicity  of  faith  in  the 
intervals  of  our  temptation  that  we  may  gather 
strength,  by  thy  power  dwelling  in  us,  to  resist  and 
overcome.  So  fill  our  souls  with  high  ideals  and 
noble  purposes,  that  there  may  be  no  room  for  evil 
thoughts.     Let  the  enthusiasm  of  the  perfect  life 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     261 

with  thee  lift  us  above  all  loose  and  sensual  desires. 
In  the  remembrance  of  thy  compassion  may  we 
shun  envy,  hate  and  cherished  anger.  Be  master  of 
our  thoughts,  that  all  our  speaking  may  be  pure  and 
true  and  kind.  May  our  overcoming  bring  thee 
joy,  and  thy  presence  be  our  continual  heart's 
delight.  When  we  forget,  restrain  us,  when  we  fall, 
uplift  us;  and  help  us  to  trust  in  thy  sustaining  love. 
In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 

December  9  —  Temple  of  God 

Or  know  ye  not  that  your  body  is  a  sanctuary  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  which  is  in  you,  which  ye  have  from  Godf 
and  ye  are  not  your  own;  for  ye  were  bought  with  a 
price;  glorify  God  therefore  in  your  body.  —  1  Cor. 
6  :  19. 

Spirit  of  the  Living  God,  who  dwell  est  in  our 
bodies  as  in  temples  made  for  thee,  so  purify  our 
thoughts  and  restrain  our  passions  that  we  may  not 
in  any  wise  defile  the  chosen  place  of  thine  abode  or 
grieve  thee  by  any  thought  or  word  or  deed.  Thou 
knowest  our  temptations  —  guard  us  that  we  may 
overcome,  and  by  thy  grace  transform  our  weakness 
into  strength.  Help  us  to  use  the  powers  which 
thou  hast  given  us  in  joyful  self-devotion.  Bless 
us  in  labor  that  we  may  do  thy  will.  Refresh  us  in 
the  rest  of  sleep  or  change.  Maintain  our  powers 
that  we  may  serve  thee  faithfully  and  keep  us  alike 
from  idleness  and  overwork.  Uphold  us  in  sickness 
and  infirmity,  and  may  the  glory  of  the  resurrection 
of  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  shine  upon  every 
thought  of  death,  that  we  may  wait  before  thee 
without  fear.    Amen. 


262     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

December  10  —  God-Likeness 

And  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  image,  after 
our  likeness;  and  let  them  have  dominion  over  the 
fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  birds  of  the  heavens,  and 
over  the  cattle,  and  over  all  the  earth.  .  .  .  And  God 
created  man  in  his  own  image,  in  the  image  of 
God  created  he  him.  — Gen.  1  :  26. 

Blessed  be  Thou,  our  loving  Heavenly  Father, 
for  the  life  thou  givest  us  in  Christ  and  for  the  trust 
thou  hast  in  us,  in  spite  of  our  poor  faith  and  halting 
love.  Make  that  trust  real  to  us  that  we  may  be 
ashamed  to  sin.  Make  us  through  life's  experience 
more  like  thee.  Teach  us  that  which  is  wanting  in 
our  desire  of  holiness  that  we  may  follow  thee  in 
wish  and  thought.  May  we  become  true  witnesses 
of  thy  will  toward  men,  of  the  pure  life  of  thy  King- 
dom and  the  glad  assurance  of  thy  presence.  Build 
up  our  faith,  increase  our  joy  and  multiply  our 
service;  that  thy  life  may  shine  through  our  lives 
for  the  help  of  others.  Through  Christ,  our  life 
and  hope  and  way.     Amen. 

December  11  —  The  Ready  Will 

Be  ye  therefore  imitators  of  God,  as  beloved  children; 
and  walk  in  love,  even  as  Christ  also  loved  you,  and 
gave  himself  wp  for  us  an  offering  and  a  sacrifice  to 
God.—Eph.5:l. 

When  thou  callest,  our  Father,  we  would  obey; 
and  where  thou  leadest  we  would  go,  not  grudgingly 
or  holding  back  like  children  disturbed  by  duty  in 
their  play,  but  with  love's  ready  will  and  confidence 
in  thee.     Let  not  our  hearts  be  so  at  rest  in  any 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     263 

present  experience  that  we  shall  lag  behind  the  move- 
ment of  thy  purpose  for  our  lives.  Thou  hast  made 
us;  Oh,  complete  in  us  the  purpose  of  thy  loving- 
kindness  and  use  us  ever  as  thou  wilt  in  the  progress 
of  our  age  toward  good.  Help  us  to  learn  of  thee  to 
love  our  neighbor  as  ourself,  not  denying  churlishly 
to  others  that  help  thou  hast  given  unstintedly  to  us. 
And  fulfil  thou  in  the  brotherhood  of  men  the 
ministrant  possibilities  and  better  hopes  of  our  own 
lives!  In  the  name  of  Christ,  the  elder  brother  and 
lover  of  all  souls.     Amen. 


December  12  —  The  Leader  of  Our  Lives 

Teach  me  to  do  thy  ivill;  for  thou  art  my  God;  let 
thy  good  Spirit  lead  me  in  a  plain,  country  of  upright- 
ness. Quicken  me,  0  Lord,  for  thy  name's  sake:  in 
thy  righteousness  bring  my  soul  out  of  trouble.  — 
Psalm  143  :  10. 

Spirit  of  the  Living  God,  who  convincest  us  of 
sin,  take  also  of  the  things  of  Christ  and  show  them 
unto  us  that  we  may  truly  repent  and  joyfully 
believe.  Let  the  remembrance  of  his  perfect  love, 
his  finished  sacrifice,  his  risen  glory  and  his  unfailing 
sympathy  with  all  our  needs  sustain  us  in  every 
mood  of  self-distrust;  and  may  we  find  our  satisfac- 
tion in  his  service.  Dwell  thou  in  us  and  make  us 
temples  purified  and  fitted  for  thy  presence.  Give 
us  pure  hearts,  glad  assurance  of  faith,  peace  of 
conscience  and  unshadowed  cheerfulness  of  expecta- 
tion. Use  us  for  the  glory  of  our  Lord  in  all  rela- 
tions with  our  fellow-men  and  let  the  joy  of  loving 
service  be  our  strength  forevermore.     Amen. 


264     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

December  13  —  In  Temptation 

Count  it  all  joy,  my  brethren,  when  ye  fall  into 
manifold  trials;  knowing  that  the  proving  of  your 
faith  worketh  steadfastness.  And  let  steadfastness 
have  its  perfect  work,  that  ye  may  be  perfect  and 
entire,  lacking  in  nothing.  —  James  1  :  2. 

0  God,  who  hast  suffered  us  to  be  tried  in  the 
fierce  heat  of  the  world's  temptations,  grant  us  thy 
strength  for  steadfastness  of  heart  that  we  may  en- 
dure to  the  end  in  love  of  thee.  Deliver  us  from 
pride  and  lust  and  fear.  Cleanse  us  by  fire,  if 
needs  must  be,  but  make  us  clean.  Show  us  the 
beauty  of  thy  holiness,  that  we  may  seek  it  with 
desire  more  earnest  and  sincere  than  that  which  lures 
us  on  to  sin.  By  thine  own  love  which  gave  thy 
Son  to  be  the  helper  and  example  of  our  souls, 
defend  us  and  keep  us  evermore,  and  teach  us  to 
bring  forth  fruit  abundantly  to  thy  glory,  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

December  14  —  Putting  Away  Malice 

Putting  away  therefore  all  malice,  and  all  guile, 
and  hypocrisies,  and  envies,  and  all  evil-speakings, 
as  new-born  babes,  long  for  the  spiritual  milk  which 
is  without  guile,  that  ye  may  grow  thereby  unto  salva- 
tion.—1  PeL2  : 1. 

0  Thou  most  merciful,  who  hast  made  us  in  thine 
image  and  called  us  to  attain  a  likeness  to  the  kind 
and  sympathetic  thought  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  arm  us 
by  the  aid  and  teaching  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  against 
all  cruelties  of  thought  and  word  and  deed.  Help 
us  to  grow  in  that  spirit  of  brotherly  kindness  which 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     265 

becomes  those  who  are  the  children  of  God  and 
builders  of  his  Kingdom  in  the  earth;  not  envious 
of  any,  not  seeking  first  our  own  selfish  good  ac- 
cording to  the  dictates  of  our  ignorance,  rejoicing  in 
the  good  of  others  and  never  glad  at  their  calamity. 
And  this  we  ask  of  thee,  not  alone  that  we  may  escape 
the  punishment  of  the  cruel,  but  that  we  may  become 
like  thyself  in  mercy  and  lovingkindness.  In  the 
name  of  our  merciful  and  long-suffering  Lord  and 
Brother  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

December  15  —  A  Prayer  for  Light 

Remember  the  word  unto  thy  servant,  wherein  thou 
hast  made  me  to  hope.  This  is  my  comfort  in  my  af- 
fliction; for  thy  word  hath  quickened  me.  .  .  .  Thy 
statutes  have  been  my  songs  in  the  house  of  my  pilgrim- 
age. I  have  remembered  thy  name,  0  Lord,  in  the  night, 
and  I  have  observed  thy  law. —  Psalm  119  :  J{9. 

We  who  lack  wisdom  cry  unto  thee,  0  God,  for 
the  instruction  and  uplifting  of  our  souls.  Give  us 
light  in  our  darkness  and  leading  in  our  perplexity. 
Let  thy  Holy  Spirit  be  our  guide  and  teacherj  ac- 
cording to  the  word  of  our  Lord  Jesus  who  was  a 
little  child  on  earth  and  learned  obedience  in  our 
school  of  suffering.  0  thou  most  liberal  giver,  the 
Father  and  the  Upholder  of  our  lives,  unto  thee  do 
we  give  thanks  for  the  bounty  which  has  ever  made 
provision  for  our  need.  Bring  ever  to  remembrance 
thy  word  of  promise  by  which  we  are  secure  in  faith 
and  hope,  assured  of  succor  in  the  hour  of  our  dis- 
tress and  of  joy  surpassing  grief.  Teach  us  thy  way. 
Give  us  thy  work  to  do.  And  bring  us  to  thyself  in 
peace,  through  our  Forerunner,  Jesus  Christ.    Amen . 


266     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

December  16  —  Steadfast  Running 

/  therefore  so  run,  as  not  uncertainly;  so  fight  I,  as 
not  beating  the  air:  but  I  buffet  my  body,  and  bring  it 
into  bondage:  lest  by  any  means,  after  that  I  have  been 
a  herald  to  others,  I  myself  shoidd  be  rejected. —  1  Cor. 
9  :  26. 

Father,  when  I  weary  of  life's  contests  and  the 
joy  of  victory  seems  far  away,  receive  and  bless  me 
when  I  turn  to  thee  for  strength.  Help  me  to  run 
the  race  for  which  thou  hast  prepared  me  with  stead- 
fast heart,  not  anxious,  but  not  negligent,  lest  fore- 
boding or  carelessness  should  rob  me  of  the  victor's 
crown.  When  life  is  urgent  and  joy  allures,  teach 
me  to  remember  that  I  am  in  training  for  thy  work. 
Teach  me  to  govern  my  body  and  not  be  ruled  by  it, 
to  enjoy,  but  not  surfeit  with  the  gifts  of  earth,  to 
keep  a  steady  flame  of  love  to  thee  and  love  to  men 
alight.  Thou  strength  of  my  endeavor  and  joy  of 
my  heart,  0  bring  me  to  the  goal  in  thy  good  time, 
that  I  may  praise  thee  for  all  that  thou  hast  taught 
me  in  the  experience  of  earth.  In  the  name  of  Christ . 
Amen. 


December  17  —  Free  Choice  of  God 

And  the  Spirit  and  the  bride  say,  Come.  And  he 
that  heareth,  let  him  say,  Come.  And  he  that  is 
athirst,  let  him  co7ne;  he  that  will,  let  hiiyi  take  the 
water  of  life  freely. —  Rev.  22  :  17. 

I  thank  thee.  Lord,  that  thou  hast  made  me  free 
and  wilt  not  compel  or  override  my  will,  even  for 
righteousness.      I    bless    thee    for    opportunit}^    of 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     267 

choosing  and  refusing,  and  for  the  self-respect  which 
I  may  build  upon  the  trust  which  thou  hast  shown 
toward  me.  I  am  thy  child,  keep  me  from  doubt  and 
fear.  Let  me  not  stoop  to  evil,  or  consent  to  bring 
a  cause  of  offense  into  my  neighbor's  life.  Let  the 
dignity  of  my  calling  lead  me  to  serve  my  brothers 
of  the  mortal  life  for  love  of  thee,  my  Father.  May 
I  respect  my  place  and  time,  my  opportunity  and 
repose,  my  body  and  mind.  And  guide  thou  me 
through  helpful  days.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 


December  18  —  The  Teaching  Spirit 

But  unto  us  God  revealed  them  through  the  Spirit;  for 
the  Spirit  searcheth  all  things,  yea,  the  deep  things  of 
God.  For  who  among  men  knoweth  the  things  of  a  man 
save  the  spirit  of  the  man  which  is  in  him?  Even  so 
the  things  of  God  none  knoweth,  save  the  Spirit  of  God. — 
1  Cor.  2  :  10. 

Our  need  and  our  desire  cry  out  for  thee,  0  Spirit 
of  the  Living  God,  our  Guide,  our  Advocate,  our 
Teacher  in  the  wa3^s  of  Christ.  Come,  do  ihy  work 
among  us,  breaking  down  our  love  of  sin  and  bringing 
us  to  joy  of  service.  Let  us  so  live,  by  thine  indwell- 
ing, that  our  words  and  deeds,  our  quiet  faith  and 
cheerful  thought  may  witness  for  our  Lord.  Speak 
to  the  hearts  of  men  and  meet  their  hidden  need 
with  the  good  news  of  help  and  peace.  Make  our 
homes  bright  with  thy  presence  and  our  days  glad 
in  thy  work  within  us  and  about  us.  And  give  us 
willing  and  obedient  hearts  to  follow  thy  com- 
mandments. 


268     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

December  19  —  Fervent  in  Love 

But  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand:  be  ye  therefore  of 
sound  mind,  and  be  sober  unto  prayer:  above  all  things 
being  fervent  in  your  love  among  yourselves;  for  love 
covereth  a  multitude  of  sins. —  1  Pet.  4  :  7' 

Lord,  we  desire  to  live  with  thee  in  work  and  lei- 
sure, in  perplexities  and  interruptions,  as  well  as 
quiet  hours  and  intervals  of  worship.  Help  us  to  re- 
member that  thou  art  served  by  patience  and  by 
lovingkindness,  as  well  as  by  our  prayers  and  acts 
of  devotion.  Keep  us  from  all  irritable  heats  of 
anger  and  unkind  looks  or  thoughts.  When  others 
weary  us  with  checks  and  hindrances,  help  us  to  re- 
member thine  amazing  patience  with  our  childish 
ways.  Let  not  any  hasty  and  unreturning  word  of 
ours  cause  an  offense,  nor  let  us  dream  that  any  plan 
we  cherish  is  more  important  in  thy  sight  than  love 
to  others  according  to  thy  great  commandment. 
And  this  we  ask  of  thee  in  the  name  of  Christ  who 
gave  himself  to  help  and  save.    Amen. 


December  20  —  Cheerful  Work 

0  ye  that  love  the  Lord,  hate  evil:  he  preserveth  the 
soids  of  his  saints;  he  delivereth  them  oid  of  the  hand 
of  the  wicked.  Light  is  sown  for  the  righteous,  and 
gladness  for  the  upright  in  heart.  Be  glad  in  the  Lord, 
ye  righteous;  and  give  thanks  to  his  holy  name. — 
Psalm  97  :  10. 

Help  us,  our  God,  to  bear  true  witness  of  thy  love 
in  cheerful  faith  and  patient  obedience.  Thou  who 
hast  called  us  children,  help  us  to  be  joyful  always 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     269 

in  our  Father's  house.  Let  not  sin  have  dominion 
over  us,  or  discouragement  rob  us  of  power  to 
brighten  other  lives  by  our  reflected  light  from  thee. 
Let  thy  work  be  delight  upon  the  earth,  thy  presence 
be  help  for  overcoming.  We  bless  thee  for  the  grace 
that  saves,  the  hope  that  leads  us  on,  the  daily  strengh 
for  daily  need,  the  home  of  rest  which  is  the  goal  of 
our  earth-pilgrimage.  Pardon  our  sins  against  thy 
patient  love,  and  so  let  thy  joy  possess  our  hearts 
that  we  may  have  continual  cheer  in  gloomy  days 
and  bear  all  trials  as  becometh  fellow-workers  of  the 
sorrowing  but  triumphant  Christ.     Amen. 


December  21  —  Forefathers*  Day 

Therefore  let  us  also,  seeing  we  are  compassed  about 
with  so  great  a  cloud  of  witnesses,  lay  aside  every 
weight  and  the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset  us,  and  let 
us  run  with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  before  us,  look- 
ing unto  Jesus,  the  author  and  perfecter  of  our  faith. — 
Heb.l2  :L 

Merciful  God,  whose  works  are  seen  among  the 
nations  of  the  earth,  we  bless  thee  for  the  good  in- 
heritance of  our  own  land.  We  thank  thee  that  thou 
didst  sustain  our  fathers  on  the  sea  and  keep  for 
them  a  safe  abode  amid  the  perils  of  an  unknown 
shore.  We  praise  thee  for  the  good  example  of  their 
constant  faith.  Thou  hast  made  them  fathers  of  a 
multitude  and  leavened  a  continent  with  their 
thought,  teach  us  to  follow  in  the  path  of  their  obe- 
dience and  to  finish  the  work  to  which  thou  hast 
called  us  in  the  same  spirit  of  manly  faith  and  pa- 
tience.   Leave  us  not,  0  God  of  our  salvation,  lest 


270     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

we  prove  unworthy  of  our  fathers'  hope.  I^et  thy 
presence  go  with  us  and  with  our  children  while  the 
earth  remains  for  labor  and  reward.  Pardon  our 
sins  according  to  thy  lovingkindness.  Enlarge  our 
inheritance  in  strength  and  righteousness.  And  be 
our  God  and  Father  evermore,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 

December  22  —  Courage  for  the  Way 

For  from  of  old  men  have  not  heard,  nor  ^perceived 
by  the  ear,  neither  hath  the  eye  seen  a  God  besides  thee, 
who  worketh  for  him  that  waiteth  for  him.  —  7s. 
64  :4. 

Grant  us,  0  Lord,  true  courage  as  we  go  our  way, 
through  faith  and  hope  and  fellowship  of  Christ 
and  love  of  thee  and  of  our  brother.  In  the  hour 
of  our  calamity  uphold  us;  in  the  time  of  our  un- 
certainty, keep  us  from  all  coward  thoughts  of 
withdrawal  from  that  adventure  in  which  we  have 
engaged  with  thee;  when  panic  assails  us,  help  us 
to  take  refuge  in  thy  love  and  all  the  promises  it 
offers.  Let  the  day's  trial  be  sufficient  for  us,  that 
we  may  never  borrow  trouble.  Lord,  when  we 
seem  least  of  use  to  our  own  selves,  make  us  of  use 
to  others:  to  the  glory  of  thy  name  and  for  the 
building  of  thy  Kingdom.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 

December  23  —  Serviceable  Days 

But  Jesus  called  the??!  unto  him  and  said,  ye  know 
that  the  princes  of  the  Gentiles  exercise  dominio?i  over 
them,  and  they  that  are  great  exercise  authority  upo?i 
them.  But  it  shall  not  be  so  among  you:  but  whosoever 
will  be  great  among  you,  let  him  be  your  minister; 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     271 

and  whosoever  will  be  chief  among  you,  let  him  be 
your  servant.  Even  as  the  Son  of  man  came  not  to  be 
ministered  unto,  but  to  minister,  and  to  give  his  life  a 
ransom  for  many.  —  Matt.  20  :  25. 

Help  us,  0  most  loving  Father,  to  fulfil  thy  law  of 
love  in  cheerful  and  serviceable  days.  Forgive  us 
when  we  fall  short  and  show  us  more  of  thyself; 
that  lovingkindness  may  become  our  delight. 
Encourage  and  uphold  our  hearts  in  daily  faith  and 
faithfulness,  as  those  whom  thou  hast  trusted  with 
the  interests  of  thy  kingdom.  Make  us  of  use  this 
day  in  helping  others,  even  at  the  cost  of  self- 
refusals  and  self-denials  for  love's  sake.  Let  thy 
life  become  our  life,  0  Lord  our  Redeemer,  that  it 
may  flow  through  us  for  the  blessing  of  the  world. 
We  remember  with  grateful  hearts  all  who  have 
suffered  for  our  sake  —  apostles,  martyrs,  the  bear- 
ers of  burdens,  those  who  have  sowed  that  we  might 
reap,  those  who  have  endured  that  we  might  be 
delivered.  For  those  who  have  gone  before  us  into 
the  heavenly  kingdom  we  give  thanks.  For  those 
who  are  in  the  midst  of  troubles  we  ask  the  upholding 
and  communion  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  In  the  name  of 
Christ.    Amen. 

December  24  —  Making  Ready 

Who  then  is  the  faithfid  and  wise  servant,  whom  his 
lord  hath  set  over  his  household,  to  give  them  their  food  in 
due  season?  Blessed  is  that  servant  whom  his  lord 
when  he  cometh  shall  find  so  doing. —  Matt.  24  •  45- 

Lord  Jesus,  when  thou  comest  I  would  have  a 
ready  place  for  thee.  Let  not  my  heart  be  like  the 
inn  where  there  was  not  a  corner  for  thine  entertain- 


272     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

ment,  but  rather  like  the  simple  hearts  of  the  shep- 
herds, to  whom  was  given  the  angels'  song  of  praise 
and  the  first  vision  of  thine  infancy.  Come  as  thou 
wilt,  a  child  with  claim  of  want,  a  neighbor  asking 
help  or  patience,  a  brother  in  the  family  of  God  — 
sick,  or  naked,  or  hungry,  or  in  distress,  and  let  me 
not  be  blind  or  careless  or  unloving.  Show  me  thy 
call  in  every  human  need,  thy  coming  in  all  the 
changes  of  my  life.  For  if  thou  hadst  not  come,  0 
blessed  Lord,  then  were  my  soul  in  anguish  of  dis- 
tress and  want.  Then  the  abundance  of  all  lesser 
gifts,  the  coming  of  all  other  guests,  could  bring  no 
cheer.  And  thine  be  praise  for  weakness  of  thine 
infancy,  for  glory  of  thy  strength,  for  the  marvel  of 
thy  cross,  the  triumph  of  thy  risen  power!    Amen. 

December  25  —  Christinas  Day 

And  suddenly  there  was  with  the  angel  a  multitude  of 
the  heavenly  host  praising  God,  and  saying,  Glory  to 
God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace  among  men  in 
whom  he  is  well  pleased. — Luke  2  :  13. 

Grant  us  this  Christmastide,  our  Father,  the 
spirit  of  little  children  to  give  and  take  in  glad  re- 
membrance of  thy  Son,  our  Lord,  who  came,  a  little 
child,  to  bring  us  into  holy  brotherhood.  We  thank 
thee  for  the  honor  thou  hast  put  upon  our  life 
through  him,  for  the  glory  of  motherhood  and  the 
high  worth  of  every  human  soul.  Help  us  to  live 
before  thee  now  and  ever  as  thy  happy  children 
ought,  in  love  and  peace  and  helpfulness,  keeping 
the  word  of  thy  patience  everj'-  day,  that  thy  name 
may  be  honored  and  thy  will  may  be  done  in  earth 
as  it  is  done  in  heaven.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     273 

December  26  —  In  Advent  Time 

But  thou  Bethlehem  Ephrathah,  which  art  little  to  he 
among  the  families  of  Judah,  out  of  thee  shall  one 
come  forth  unto  me  that  is  to  be  ruler  in  Israel;  whose 
goings  forth  are  from  of  old,  from  everlasting.  .  .  . 
And  this  man  shall  be  our  peace. —  Micah  5  :  2. 

0  Thou  by  whom  good  cheer  comes  to  the  hearts 
of  men,  we  thank  thee  for  the  glad  tidings  and  en- 
larging hopes  born  of  thy  gift  of  the  Child  Jesus,  Son 
of  God  and  Son  of  Man,  and  for  the  happy  memories 
of  our  Advent  time.  Let  all  our  thoughts  be  kind  and 
all  our  desires  such  as  thou  canst  bless.  Let  there  be 
peace  in  our  hearts  and  good  will  to  every  man  upon 
the  earth.  Teach  us  to  discover  in  our  friends  and 
neighbors  the  brothers  and  sisters  of  our  Lord  and 
to  rejoice  in  their  prosperity  and  be  ready  to  help 
them  in  their  need.  So  bring  us  Christmas  joy  from 
thine  own  love  and  help  us  to  be  lightbearers  in  the 
dark  places  of  the  world.  So  let  us  go  with  singing 
hearts  along  our  way.  And  to  thy  name  be  praise. 
Amen. 

December  27  —  Be  Ye  Also  Ready 

For  I  am  already  being  offered,  and  the  time  of  my 
departure  is  come.  I  have  fought  the  good  fight,  I 
have  finished  the  course;  henceforth  there  is  laid  up 
for  me  the  crown  of  righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the 
righteous  judge  shall  give  to  me  at  that  day;  and  not 
only  to  me,  but  also  to  all  them  that  have  loved  his 
appearing.  —  2  Tim.  4  '  6. 

Help  us,  0  God  our  Father,  not  to  be  so  much  in 
love  with  earth  that  thy  summons  to  depart  shall 


274     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

be  a  bitter  disappointment.  Nor  let  our  hearts  be 
fixed  upon  the  passions  arid  desires  of  youth,  lest 
age  should  find  us  spoiled  for  calmer  pleasures. 
Give  us,  through  years  of  waning  strength,  if  these 
shall  be  our  portion,  the  comfort  of  a  cheerful  heart 
and  quiet  trust  in  thee.  Make  us  a  blessing  to 
those  who  are  about  us,  now  and  evermore,  and, 
if  it  please  thee,  may  we  still  bring  forth  fruit  in 
old  age.  Spare  us,  we  beseech  thee,  fingering  dis- 
ease and  helplessness  and  let  us  not  become  a  bur- 
den to  those  we  love.  Sustain  us  in  every  depriva- 
tion and  through  all  our  losses  fill  our  hearts  with 
peace.  So  may  we  wait  in  joyful  expectation  of  the 
better  life  with  Christ.    Amen. 


December  28  —  Christ  in  Us 

To  whom  God  was  pleased  to  make  known  what  is 
the  riches  of  the  glory  of  this  mystery  among  the 
Gentiles,  which  is  Christ  in  you,  the  hope  of  glory; 
whom  we  proclaim,  adynonishing  every  man  and  teach- 
ing every  man  in  all  wisdom,  that  we  may  present 
every  man  perfect  in  Christ.  —  Col.  1  :  27. 

Thou  great  Companion  of  our  loneliness.  Saviour 
and  Brother  of  all  who  believe,  go  with  us  where 
we  go,  upholding  and  giving  strength  in  every  time  of 
need.  We  thank  thee  for  thy  gift  of  pardon,  for 
assurance  of  our  Father's  wise,  unwearying  kind- 
ness, for  our  part  in  the  work  of  a  world  where  all 
our  changes  lead  toward  revelation  of  the  risen  life. 
Make  us  cheerful  with  a  courage  learned  of  thee. 
Open  our  eyes  to  see  the  needs  of  others,  that  by 
thy  leading  we  may  bring  them  aid  and  joy.     Thou 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     275 

who  art  light,  enhghten  our  darkness.  Thou  who 
bringest  peace,  overcome  our  griefs  and  fears. 
Thou  gift  of  God,  enriching  beyond  measure  Hfe 
and  thought,  make  us,  we  beseech  thee,  a  blessing 
to  the  world.  Be  thou  our  model  of  what  man  may 
be,  our  confidence  of  overcoming,  our  pledge  of  a 
security  which  cannot  change.     Amen. 


December  29  —  God's  Loving  Care 

They  that  trust  in  the  Lord  are  as  mount  Zion, 
ivhich  cannot  he  7noved,  but  abideth  for  ever.  As  the 
mountains  are  round  about  Jerusalem,  so  the  Lord  is 
round  about  his  people  from  this  time  forth  and  for 
evermore.  —  Psalm  125  : 1. 

How  shall  I  thank  thee,  0  my  Father,  for  the  love 
that  in  thy  large  and  holy  plans  makes  room  and 
feels  the  need  for  such  an  one  as  I?  Teach  me  my 
own  true  place  and  work,  the  measure  and  the  limit 
of  my  powers.  Let  me  be  wise  and  faithful,  glorying 
not  in  myself  but  thee;  following  the  example  of 
thy  Son,  our  Lord,  in  lowliness  of  heart  and  helpful 
thought  for  men.  So  help  me  to  use  my  gifts  for 
others  according  to  the  measure  of  my  opportunity, 
in  all  simplicity  of  faith  and  with  a  quiet  mind. 
Keep  me  from  the  pride  that  blinds  the  heart  and 
that  concern  with  self  which  is  a  weight  upon  en- 
deavor. Make  humility  effective  as  a  gathering  and 
directing  of  my  powers  for  better  service,  and  grant 
me  continually  the  companionship  and  leading  of 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  I  may  be  a  good  workman, 
to  the  honor  of  thy  holy  name.     Amen. 


276     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

December  30  —  The  Courage  of  the  Forward 
Look 

Teach  me  thy  way,  0  Lord,  and  lead  me  in  a  plain 
path,  because  of  them  that  lie  in  wait  for  me.  .  .  . 
Wait  for  the  Lord:  be  strong,  and  let  thy  heart  take 
courage;  yea,  wait  for  the  Lord.  —  Psalm  27  :  11. 

In  life  or  death,  0  Lord,  we  still  desire  to  walk  and 
work  with  thee.  Give  us  the  courage  of  the  forward 
look,  the  joy  of  those  who  make  discoveries,  the 
expectation  of  children  who  find  their  father's 
knowledge  a  continual  resource  and  their  father's 
loving  care  unfailing.  So  let  the  airs  of  heaven 
blow  through  the  mists  of  earth  and  scatter  them, 
bringing  good  thoughts  into  evil  days  and  making 
earth  the  house  of  God,  the  very  gate  of  heaven. 
Fit  and  prepare  our  hearts  for  the  revelation  that 
awaits  us  when  our  task  upon  the  earth  is  ended  and 
the  glory  of  the  life  with  Christ  appears.  Let  there 
be  spice  of  heaven's  ripening  in  the  monotony 
of  toilsome  days.  And  in  thy  mercy  take  away 
from  our  hearts  all  troubling  and  benumbing  fear 
of  death.    In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


December  31  —  The  Ended  Year 

And  he  that  sitteth  on  the  throne  said.  Behold  I 
make  all  things  new.  ...  7  am  the  Alpha  and  the 
Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end.  I  will  give  unto 
him  that  is  athirst  of  the  fountain  of  the  water  of  life 
freely.  He  that  overcometh  shall  inherit  these  things; 
and  I  will  be  his  God,  and  he  shall  be  my  Son.  —  Rev. 
21  : 6. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     277 

All  the  days  of  the  ended  year.  0  Lord;  thou  hast 
made  provision  for  us  and  followed  us  with  thy 
considerate  care.  Now  in  remembrance  that  we 
have  often  failed  in  our  high  opportunity  we  turn 
to  thee  for  pardon  and  for  strength.  Help  us  to 
forget,  so  far  as  memory  hinders  our  endeavor,  and 
to  take  courage  from  the  recollection  of  thy  merciful 
kindness  in  the  ended  days.  Give  us  the  joy  of 
going  on,  in  thy  companionship  and  with  thy 
strength,,  to  better  work;  and  let  the  new  year  be 
glorious  with  thy  light.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 


OBSERVANCES 
OCCASIONS   AND   EXPERIENCES 


OBSERVANCES 
OCCASIONS   AND   EXPERIENCES 


Observances 

0  God  our  Father,  who  art  everywhere  and  al- 
ways with  thy  children,  help  me  especially  to  use  all 
dedicated  times  and  places  with  a  reverent  faith 
and  hearty  love,  rejoicing  in  assurance  of  thy 
presence  and  the  fellowship  of  saints  on  earth. 
In  all  observance  of  consecrated  daj^s  may  the  as- 
surance of  thy  love  in  Jesus  Christ  be  my  heart's 
joy.  Let  his  life  be  my  pattern,  his  teaching  my 
meditation,  his  power  and  guidance  my  unfailing 
hope.  Let  every  outward  form  and  spoken  word 
aid  my  devotion  and  may  I  wait  before  thee  alv/ays 
with  a  thankful  heart.  Pardon  my  sins  and  help 
me  to  forgive.  Lead  me  by  thy  Spirit  into  perfect 
service  and  pure  communion  of  the  blessed  Ufe  with 
thee.  Let  all  these  outward  forms  and  fixed  ob- 
servances be  shadows  of  thy  presence.  In  the  name 
of  Christ.     Amen. 

The  Lord's  Day 

Teach  us  to  use  this  day,  0  Lord,  in  glad  remem- 
brance of  Christ's  rising  from  the  dead  and  the  new 
life  which  he  has  given.  Let  thy  presence  cheer  our 
souls,  the  teaching  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  show  us  our 
o^YTL  sin  and  thine  availing  love  revealed  in  Christ. 
Help  us  to  worship  thee  in  all  sincerity  of  confes- 

281 


282     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

sion,  simplicity  of  faith  and  joy  of  thanksgiving. 
Make  it  a  feast  day  to  our  souls  in  happy  thoughts  of 
thee,  in  foretaste  of  the  heavenly  service  and  com- 
panionship of  saints.  Accept  our  offerings  and 
use  and  bless  each  effort  of  ministration  for  which 
thou  givest  opportunity.  May  rest  be  sweet  to 
body,  soul  and  spirit,  preparing  us  for  better  work 
and  higher  thought  and  for  the  rest  that  remaineth 
for  the  people  of  God.     Amen. 


In  this,  thy  day,  0  Lord,  make  us  joyful  sharers 
of  thy  risen  life.  Make  it  a  feast  day  to  our  souls 
by  communion  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  and  fellowship  of 
saints.  Make  rest  effective  for  new  strength  in 
work  which  thou  hast  trusted  to  our  care.  Give 
rest  of  heart  by  faith.  Meet  with  us,  according  to 
thy  word,  where  even  two  or  three  are  gathered  in 
thy  name.  Deepen  our  affections.  Incline  our 
hearts  to  works  of  mercy  and  of  love.  Give  clearer 
thoughts  of  thy  great  purpose  and  our  Heavenly 
Father's  care.  Go  with  us  where  we  go,  as  in  the 
fields  of  Galilee  with  thy  disciples.  Help  us  to  make 
glad  hours  for  little  children  in  remembrance  of 
thy  love.  Rejoice  us  with  thj'-  presence  all  day 
long.  Let  thanksgiving  crown  and  end  the  experi- 
ence of  our  waking  hours  and  give  us  blessing,  ac- 
cording to  thy  servant's  word,  in  sleep.     Amen. 

The  Lord's  Table 

We  thank  thee,  our  Father,  for  the  gift  of  thy 
Son,  who  has  made  us  brothers  of  his  work  and  joy 
and  called  us  to  remember  his  gift  of  life  in  sacrificial 
love.     Help  us  to   come  with  glad  and  reverent 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     283 

hearts  to  break  the  bread  and  pour  the  cup  as  he 
commanded.  Refresh  and  nourish  our  spirits  with 
the  tokens  of  that  hfe  which  was  broken  and  poured 
forth  for  our  need,  and  bring  our  hearts  into  new 
sympathy  with  his  love  and  purpose.  Forgive  our 
trespasses  and  help  us  to  forgive,  making  us  like 
thyself  in  justice,  mercy,  truth  and  love,  that  we 
may  be  good  witnesses  for  thee  in  all  our  life  with 
others.  We  thank  thee  for  the  communion  of  saints, 
for  lives  that  are  dear  to  us,  for  hopes  that  grow 
clearer  in  life  with  thee,  for  all  experiences  in  which 
thou  goest  with  us  toward  the  goal  and  end  of  pil- 
grimage. Bless  thy  church  and  make  it  pure  and 
strong,  unspoiled  by  the  world,  unstained  by  pride 
and  selfish  greed.  And  let  thy  kingdom  come! 
In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

The  League  of  Intercession 

Our  Father,  who  hast  brought  us  together  in 
heart  with  a  common  hope  and  purpose  in  our 
League  of  Intercession,  be  with  us  in  our  times  of 
prayer  and  in  all  the  moments  of  our  life.  Show  us 
thy  way  and  something  of  thy  thought  for  men. 
Let  thy  blessing  come  to  the  world  in  the  coming  of 
thy  kingdom.  Send  forth  laborers  into  fields  that 
are  ripe  for  the  harvest.  In  our  separated  places 
we  turn  to  thee  with  one  accord,  confident  in  the 
promise  of  our  Master  and  our  Brother,  to  ask  thy 
blessing  for  one  another.  May  we  all  be  one  in  hope 
and  faith  and  lovj  and  in  the  joy  of  thy  presence. 
Forgive  and  sustain  and  enlarge  us,  that  by  the 
guidance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  we  may  be  led  into 
ways  of  ministry  to  others  and  into  the  full  confi- 
dence of  faith.     We  thank  thee  for  our  opportunity 


284     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

of  companionship  with  thee  in  thy  great  love  and 
high  purpose,  and  for  the  care  and  gifts  with  which 
thou  hast  followed  us  all  the  days  of  our  life.  Help 
us  to  love  thee  with  all  our  hearts,  and  to  love  our 
neighbor  as  ourselves.  And  these  things  we  ask 
of  thee  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 

The  Dedication  of  a  Church 

To  thee  we  dedicate  this  house,  0  God,  that  it 
may  be  a  place  of  intercession  and  communion  for 
thy  children  of  the  brotherhood  of  Christ.  Accept 
and  hallow  in  thy  mercy  what  our  thought  has 
planned.  Here  let  good  tidings  of  Christ  be  preached 
in  simplicity  and  power.  Here  let  thy  name  be 
honored  in  the  thoughts  of  our  children  and  our 
children's  children.  Here  may  the  fellowship  of 
all  believers  be  made  visible  for  a  witness  to  the 
world.  Here  reveal  thyself  in  troubled  and  desirous 
hearts.  Accept  thy  people's  offerings  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving.  Let  our  prayers  come  before  thee: 
and  send  us  a  blessing  when  the  bread  is  broken  and 
the  cup  poured  out  in  memory  of  Christ.  Make  us 
joyful  in  thy  presence;  steadfast,  generous,  thought- 
ful of  justice,  brotherly  kindness,  and  of  the  witness 
of  thy  kingdom  of  good  will  among  aU  peoples. 
In  the  name  of  Christ.     Amen. 

For  a  Wedding 

Most  loving  Heavenly  Father,  who  of  thy  mercy 
hast  ordained  that  love  and  fellowship  should  crown 
our  human  lot,  grant  to  these  thy  children  a  sense 
of  thy  continual  guidance  in  then-  life  together. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     285 

Help  them  to  fulfil  abundantly  the  covenant  of  mar- 
riage into  which  they  have  entered  in  thy  presence 
and  the  presence  of  these  witnesses.  Make  them  a 
help  and  blessing,  each  to  the  other  all  the  days  of 
their  Ufe  and  let  the  world  be  brighter  for  their  love 
and  faith.  Give  them,  our  Father,  in  the  home  they 
build  together,  gifts  and  blessings  in  the  measure  of 
their  need  and  thy  lovingkindness,  fulfilling  their 
hearts'  desire  and  teaching  them  gently  the  lessons 
of  thy  school.  And  this  we  ask  in  the  name  of  our 
Lord  and  Brother  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

The  Home  —  The  Dedication  of  a  House 

For  thee  and  with  thine  aid,  our  Father,  have  we 
built  this  house  that  in  all  the  days  of  our  earthly 
life  thou  may  est  abide  with  us  and  give  us  rest. 
Help  us  to  make  it  a  home  of  thine  own  peace  and 
righteousness,  where  thou  mayest  give  joy  of 
heart.  Teach  us  to  use  it  for  service,  for  ministry 
of  kindness  and  communion  of  thought.  Send 
prosperity  if  it  please  thee.  Give  health  and  joy 
to  all  who  abide  under  the  shelter  of  its  roof.  Let 
our  goings-forth  be  to  thy  praise  and  our  comings-in 
for  our  refreshment  in  thy  presence.  Let  the  work 
of  our  hands,  our  hospitality,  our  grief  and  loss,  our 
weariness  and  pain,  study  and  play,  eating  and 
drinking,  sleep  and  waking,  be  for  thine  honor  and 
for  our  growth  toward  the  completed  good  that  is 
in  love  to  God  and  man.  We  remember  the  absent 
whether  they  are  elsewhere  in  the  earth  or  dwell  at 
rest  with  thee.  Thy  blessing  be  with  all  we  love! 
Thy  comfort  with  the  sorrowing!  Thy  strength 
sufficient  for  the  weak!  Father  in  heaven,  we  dedi- 
cate to  thee  this  house  and  all  we  have  that  thou 


286     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

mayest  build  us  into  a  holy  habitation  fitted  for 
thy  presence  in  the  house  not  made  with  hands. 
Let  the  answer  of  thy  peace  come  as  our  hearts  are 
lifted  up  in  praise  for  all  thy  goodness  and  confidence 
in  thine  abiding  love.  Through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

The  Home 

0  Thou  who  settest  the  solitary  in  families  and 
hast  consecrated  our  homes  by  thy  presence,  look 
upon  us  in  mercy  and  hear  our  prayer  for  all  whom 
thou  hast  given  us.  Care  for  our  children  with  a 
Father's  love  and  knowledge  better  than  our  own. 
Guide  our  thoughts  that  we  may  find  and  teach  thy 
truth.  Help  us  to  be  Just  and  merciful,  slow  to 
anger  and  full  of  loving  help,  as  thou  hast  ever  been 
to  us,  thy  children.  May  our  unworldly  lives  help 
our  children  to  live  above  the  world.  May  our 
happy  cheerfulness  convince  them  of  the  joy  of 
Christian  service.  And  may  no  word  or  deed  of 
ours  put  an  occasion  of  stumbling  in  their  way. 
Bless  thou  our  labors.  Provide  food  sufficient  for 
us  and  all  other  needed  gifts  for  earthly  days. 
And  keep  us  and  our  beloved  in  thy  presence  ever- 
more.    Amen. 


Father,  thy  love  is  joy  of  home,  pattern  of  parent- 
hood, our  inspiration  in  all  patience  and  self-giving, 
strength  for  all  our  days.  Teach  us  to  dwell  to- 
gether in  a  love  like  thine.  Sustain  us  while  we  seek 
to  make  provision  for  the  children  thou  hast  given 
us.  Prosper  our  undertakings,  enrich  our  lives 
with   neighborly   affections   and   hospitable   hours, 


PEAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     287 

forgive  our  household  sins,  our  individual  neglects 
and  failures.  Let  the  day's  work  be  carried  on  in 
faith  and  gladness,  may  our  evening  communion 
be  full  of  happiness,  our  quiet  hours  bring  rest. 
When  we  part,  go  with  us  in  our  several  ways  and 
bring  us  together  again  in  peace  at  thy  good  time. 
Let  the  memory  of  our  dead  be  precious  and  our 
hearts  rest  in  the  assurance  that  they  all  live  to 
thee.    Amen. 

Table  Prayers 

We  thank  thee  for  thy  gifts,  our  Father.  Bless 
them  to  our  use,  making  us  glad  and  strong;  and 
keep  us  ever  in  thy  love  and  care. 

Grant  us,  our  Father,  thy  blessing  with  the  food 
thy  mercy  has  provided.  Nourish  our  bodies  with 
thy  bounty,  and  feed  our  souls  with  bread  from 
heaven. 

We  thank  thee.  Father  in  Heaven,  for  all  thy 
lovingkindness,  and  for  these  new  gifts  of  thy  care. 
Provide  strength  for  the  work  to  which  thou  hast 
sent  us,  and  be  thou  our  refreshment  and  our  joy. 

New  Year's  Day 

Blessed  be  thou,  0  God  our  Father,  who  hast  set 
the  promise  of  thy  changeless  love  amid  the  changes 
of  our  mortal  years!  We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
redeemed  us  and  made  us  heirs  with  Christ  of  the 
eternal  hope.  We  glory  in  the  manifested  progress 
of  thy  kingdom  and  bless  thee  for  the  new  year's 
opportunity  and  pledge  of  growth.  May  every 
day's  experience  bring  us  forward  in  the  path  by 


288     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

which  thy  Holy  Spirit  guides  our  feet.  With  true 
repentance  and  assurance  of  thy  pardon  and  thy 
help  enable  us  to  face  the  problems  of  the  future 
with  cheerful  and  obedient  hearts.  May  all 
experiences  and  trials  work  together  for  our  good, 
since  thou  hast  loved  us  and  made  us  sharers  of 
thy  work.  Rid  us  of  unbelief,  0  God,  that  we  may 
have  more  joy  in  service.  Kindle  a  flame  of  love 
and  zeal  in  our  weak  hearts  which  shall  win  others 
to  desire  of  serving  thee.  And  may  all  events  and 
changes  fulfill  thy  purpose  for  our  growth  and  for 
the  coming  of  thy  kingdom.  Through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


In  all  the  years  of  our  pilgrimage  Thou  hast  sus- 
tained and  blessed  us,  our  Father:  let  the  New 
Year  bring  us  new  experiences  of  thy  favor  and  a 
deeper  sense  of  the  guidance  and  companionship  of 
thy  Spirit.  As  thou  hast  given  thyself  to  us,  help 
and  enable  us  to  give  ourselves  to  thee  in  joyful 
faith  and  obedience.  Let  our  best  life  be  that  of 
thy  presence  in  our  hearts.  By  the  joy  of  thy  com- 
panionship make  us  strong  to  overcome  and  proof 
against  the  trials  and  disappointments  of  our  out- 
ward state.  Enrich  our  friendship  with  the  trea- 
sures of  thy  companionable  love.  Overcome  in  us 
our  evil  thoughts,  our  hatreds  and  our  doubts,  bj^ 
the  delights  of  thy  hidden  kingdom  in  our  hearts. 
In  cheerful  living,  childlike  confidence  and  faithful 
service  may  the  New  Year  lead  through  Christ- 
like days  to  larger  blessing.  In  the  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     289 

National  Prayer  for  the  New  Year 

God  of  all  grace,  who  hast  kept  our  nation's  life 
in  every  time  of  need,  be  present  still  with  guiding 
and  upholding  mercy  in  the  untried  problems  and 
perplexities  of  the  coming  year.  Thou  hast  laid 
great  responsibilities  upon  us;  leave  us  not  to  the 
folly  of  pride  and  self-conceit,  but  pardon  our 
transgressions  and  neglects,  and  give  us  the  sober 
confidence  that  comes  of  trust  in  thee.  Help  us 
so  to  deal  with  the  peoples  for  whom,  before  thee 
and  the  nations  of  the  earth,  we  have  assumed 
responsibility,  that  they  and  we  may  dwell  in  peace 
and  strength  and  learn  thy  righteousness.  Raise 
up  men  who  shall  govern  in  thy  fear  and  with  un- 
faltering justice.  Grant  to  thy  servant,  the  Presi- 
dent, and  to  Congress,  all  needed  wisdom  to  choose 
and  to  decide.  Maintain  or  bring  back  peace  within 
our  borders  and  among  the  nations  of  the  world, 
and  may  all  changes  and  overturnings  be  for  the 
uplifting  of  the  people,  and  the  speedy  coming  of 
thy  kingdom  in  the  earth.  And  unto  thee,  0 
Lord  of  Hosts,  be  glory  evermore.     Amen. 

The  Beginning  of  Lent 

When  thou  callest,  our  Father,  give  us  readiness 
of  heart  to  answer  and  obey.  If  we  have  gone  far 
astray  from  thee,  even  through  lawless  living,  to  the 
fields  of  hunger  and  of  loneliness,  awaken  memories 
of  our  forsaken  home  and  turn  our  hearts  to  thee. 
We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  made  the  great 
beginning  and  that  our  affection  is  but  an  answer  to 
thy  love.  We  bless  thee  that  thou  dost  not  love  us 
in  the  measure  of  our  good  but  because  we  are  thy 


290     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

children.  So  let  all  doubt  and  despair  be  far  from 
us  as  we  listen  for  thy  call.  Give  us  more  and  more 
to  hunger  for  the  bread  of  life  which  Christ  alone 
can  give,  and  to  thirst  for  water  from  the  living 
fountains.  Blessed  be  thou  who  biddest  the  hungry 
and  the  thirsty  come!  With  eager  and  expectant 
hearts  we  turn  to  thee.  0  satisfy  us  with  the  bountj'' 
of  thy  house  and  let  thy  goodness  lead  us.     Amen, 


LITTLE  PRAYERS  FOR  HOLY  WEEK 
Palm  Sunday 

0  thou,  true  Lord  and  Leader,  who  didst  come 
in  lowliness  unto  thine  own  and  thine  own  received 
thee  not,  so  give  us  power,  by  the  indwelling  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  to  turn  from  sin  and  welcome  thee,  that 
thou  mayest  henceforth  reign  in  us  and  make  us  like 
thyself  in  purity  and  love.     Amen. 

Monday  in  Holy  Week 

Cleanse  our  hearts,  thou  Son  of  Man,  that  they 
may  be  fit  temples  for  the  presence  of  our  God. 
Help  us  to  bring  forth  fruit  to  thy  glory  and  spare 
us  in  the  day  of  thy  judgment,  for  thy  name's  sake. 
Amen. 

Tuesday  in  Holy  Week 

0  thou  who  art  more  wonderful  than  all  the 
works  and  arts  of  man,  help  us  to  find  the  true 
proportion  of  our  lives  and,  by  thj'-  help,  to  lay  hold 
on  the  eternal  things,  that  we  may  serve  thee  in 
thy  kingdom  with  faithful  love  toward  men  in  deed 
as  well  as  word.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     291 

Wednesday  in  Holy  Week 

Lord  Jesus,  who  didst  turn  for  refuge  and  repose 
to  the  home  in  Bethany  and  lovest  ever  to  be  with 
thy  friends,  come  to  our  homes  and  prepare  our 
hearts  in  quiet  hours  and  glad  companionships  for 
scenes  of  effort,  for  trial  and  the  hour  of  death. 
Amen. 

Thursday  in  Holy  Week 

Come,  as  of  old.  Lord  Jesus,  as  we  remember  thy 
broken  body  and  thy  poured-out  life  in  the  Supper 
thou  hast  ordained  for  us.  Strengthen  our  hearts 
by  that  holy  bread,  that  we  may  serve  each  other  in 
humility,  as  thou  hast  given  us  an  example.  Cleanse 
our  hearts  of  all  forebodings  and  sustain  us  in  all 
agony  of  loss  as  we  go  in  the  way  thou  hast  appointed 
for  us.     Amen. 

Good  Friday 

Lamb  of  God  that  takest  away  the  sin  of  the  world, 
have  mercy  upon  us!  By  thy  cross  and  passion, 
make  our  hearts  warm  with  grateful  love,  keep  us 
from  all  withdrawal  or  betraj^al  and  by  thy  finished 
work  crown  us  with  joy  and  make  our  thoughts 
overflow  in  thanksgiving.  For  thou  art  our  peace 
and  strength  henceforth  and  forevermore.     Amen. 

Saturday  in  Holy  Week 

Lord,  open  our  eyes  to  see  that  thou  art  near  in 
the  time  of  our  discouragement  and  the  agony  of  our 
suspense  and  dread.  Take  away  our  fear  of  death, 
since  thou  hast  met  and  overcome  its  power  and 
set  our  hearts  at  rest  in  thee.     Amen. 


292     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Easter 

Our  Risen  Lord,  Friend  and  Brother  of  our  life 
henceforth,  thou  whom  the  Hght  hides,  and  not  the 
darkness,  help  us  to  rejoice  forevermore  in  thee  and 
live  to  thee  in  simplicity  of  faith  and  joy  of  love. 
Reveal  thyself  more  and  more  to  our  weak  and 
desirous  hearts  and  to  the  whole  company  of  thy 
disciples,  making  us  one  in  thee.     Amen. 

Good  Friday 

Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  for  our  sake  hast  willingly 
endured  the  cross  that  we  might  live  with  thee,  help 
us  to  look  with  awed  and  reverent  hearts  upon  the 
mystery  of  thy  passion.  By  the  sorrows  of  thine 
earthly  life  —  the  agony  in  Gethsemane,  the  be- 
trayal and  forsaking,  the  lingering  anguish  of  the 
cross  —  have  mercy  on  us  in  our  trials  and  tempta- 
tions, and  help  us  with  true  repentance  and  humility 
to  forsake  our  sin  and  follow  thee  in  singleness  of 
heart  and  glad  obedience.  Lamb  of  God,  who 
takest  away  the  sin  of  the  world,  grant  us  thy  pardon 
and  thy  peace.  Upon  thee  our  stripes  were  laid. 
By  thine  obedience  unto  death  the  way  of  life  was 
opened  to  our  feet.  Cleanse  us  of  self-love  that  we 
may  serve  thee  with  entire  devotion,  and  may  our 
lives  bear  witness  to  thy  love  through  all  our  years. 
Amen. 

Easter 

Blessed  be  thou,  0  God !  who  hast  raised  up  our 
Lord  Jesus  from  the  dead  that  he  might  be  the  first 
fruits  of  them  that  are  asleep.  We  bless  thee  for 
his  service  of  humiliation,  his  atoning  death,  his 
glorious  resurrection  and  his  continuing  life.     For 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     293 

his  sake  pardon  our  transgressions  and  shortcom- 
ings and  enable  us  so  to  use  this  world  of  passion  and 
temptation  that  we  may  win  the  victory  of  faith. 
Teach  us  to  live  as  heirs  of  the  inheritance  Christ's 
death  has  purchased,  and  to  die  as  those  who  follow 
without  fear  the  path  of  him  who  conquered  death. 
Out  of  the  experience  of  thy  love  we  praise  thee. 
With  the  innumerable  company  of  the  redeemed  in 
heaven  and  earth  we  worship  the  Lamb  slain  from 
the  foundation  of  the  world,  who  died  and  rose  again 
and  lives  in  an  immortal  life.  Glory  be  to  thee,  0 
Christ!  in  heaven  and  earth  forevermore.     Amen. 


Out  of  the  shadow  of  earth's  sin  and  death  we  lift 
our  hearts  in  praise  to  thee,  0  God,  for  the  glad 
tidings  of  the  risen  Christ.  Blessed  be  thou  who 
hast  given  thy  best  beloved  for  the  redemption  of 
the  world!  We  thank  thee  that  into  our  darkness 
thou  hast  sent  thy  light  —  the  light  of  everlasting 
love  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ.  So  guide  our 
hearts  and  minds  by  the  indwelling  of  thy  Spirit  that 
we  may  henceforth  reckon  ourselves  to  be  dead  to 
sin  but  alive  unto  God  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  Make  every  day  of  earth's  experience  a  step 
toward  the  eternal  hope.  Lighten  every  sorrow 
by  comfort  of  thy  presence  and  assurance  of  the 
unchanging  purpose  of  thy  love.  In  place  of  rest- 
less cravings,  unsatisfied  ambitions,  jealous  fears, 
comfort  our  hearts  with  thine  unchanging  peace. 
Give  steadfast  confidence  in  trial,  cheerful  thoughts 
in  gloomy  days,  the  joy  of  pardoned  sin,  the  victory 
of  faith  which  overcomes  the  world,  that  we  may  do 
our  part  in  service  to  our  fellow-men  with  patient 


294     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

ministry  of  lovingkindness.  And  to  our  risen  and 
ascended  Lord,  whose  presence  is  the  joy  of  the  re- 
deemed in  heaven  and  earth,  be  glory  evermore. 
Amen. 


Children's  Sunday.  — A  Prayer  for  Children 

By  the  memory  of  thine  own  childhood  and  the 
loving  favor  thou  didst  show  to  little  children 
when  they  were  brought  to  thee;  have  mercy.  Lord, 
upon  the  children  of  our  time.  Let  not  their  inno- 
cence give  place  to  love  of  sin,  or  to  forgetfulness  of 
thee.  Keep  their  thoughts  pure.  Let  not  simple 
trust  die  out  of  their  hearts,  or  a  disloyal  worldliness 
possess  them.  Lead  them  through  the  trials  of 
this  present  life,  give  them  the  victory  over  tempta- 
tion, and  bring  them  to  thyself  at  last  in  peace. 
For  all  parents  and  teachers,  for  the  bereaved  from 
whom  thou  hast  taken  little  ones,  for  the  lonely  and 
childless  of  the  earth,  we  come  to  thee.  Help  of  the 
weak,  thou  loving  teacher  of  the  sons  of  men,  give 
us  grace  so  to  live  before  thee  that  our  example  may 
be  helpful  to  the  children  who  come  after  us,  and 
that  we  may  be  thine  forever.    Amen. 

Pentecost 

Spirit  of  God,  our  Helper  in  all  the  troubles  and 
perplexities  of  life,  our  Comforter,  our  Guide, 
Interpreter  and  Opener  of  the  Word,  come  with 
power  to  turn  the  hearts  of  the  people  from  the  love 
of  the  world  to  the  love  of  purity  and  good  will, 
from  the  service  of  their  own  weak  desires  to  the 
work  of  the  Kingdom  of  God.     Raise  up  witnesses. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     295 

Give  courage  and  persuasion  to  all  ministers  and 
teachers.  Reveal  Christ  to  the  hearts  of  men, 
kindling  a  loving  devotion  and  a  deep  and  lasting 
joy  of  communion  which  shall  make  the  whole  world 
bright.  Use  all  changes  in  the  affairs  of  the  world 
for  the  uplifting  of  the  hearts  of  men  and  bring  the 
world  to  an  abiding  peace  in  thy  good  time.  In  the 
name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


Independence  Day 

God  of  our  Fathers,  who  hast  kept  our  Nation's 
life  through  peril  of  its  youth  and  trial  of  its  man- 
hood, we  remember  before  thee  with  heartfelt 
thanksgiving  the  blessings  that  have  crowned  our 
lengthening  history.  For  the  courage  and  foresight 
of  those  who  left  their  homes  and  friends  to  cross  the 
sea;  for  the  steadfast  endurance  of  those  who  made 
their  homes  in  the  wilderness  and  those  who  fought 
to  win  our  liberty;  for  the  wise  counsel  of  those  who 
shaped  our  laws;  for  deliverance  in  wars  and  growth 
in  years  of  peace;  for  our  high  place  of  influence  and 
opportunity  among  the  nations  of  the  earth;  for 
memories  that  are  glorious  and  hopes  that  rest  upon 
thy  favor;  we  bring  thee  joyful  praise.  Give 
strength  and  good  understanding  to  thy  servant, 
the  President,  and  to  all  who  by  our  choosing  are 
set  in  authority  over  us,  and  make  them  willing 
followers  of  thy  commandments  and  servants  of 
the  people's  need.  Guide  our  hearts  and  minds, 
that  we  may  not  be  tempted  to  offend  against  thee 
in  pride  or  selfishness,  and  leave  us  not  to  our  own 
thoughts  and  ways  in  any  hour  of  triumph  or  of 
trial.    In  the  name  of  Christ.    Amen. 


296     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Thanksgiving 

0  Lord,  our  God,  who  hast  blessed  our  fathers, 
and  mercifully  continued  thy  lovingkindness  unto 
us,  we  bring  thee  heartfelt  praise  and  thanksgiving 
in  remembrance  of  all  thy  goodness.  Thou  hast 
given  us  thy  Holy  Word  and  the  promise  of  eternal 
life  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Thou  hast 
made  for  us  a  place  of  power  among  the  nations. 
The  joys  and  sorrows  of  our  homes  have  been 
sanctified  by  thy  presence.  Blessed  be  thou  who 
hast  dealt  bountifully  with  us  and  preserved  us 
in  joyful  prosperity  to  see  this  day  of  praise!  Pardon 
our  sins  and  awaken  in  us  high  purposes  of  love  and 
duty.  Guard  us,  if  it  please  thee,  in  peril  from 
without  and  from  within.  In  joyful  obedience  to 
thy  law  of  righteousness,  make  us  thine  instruments 
of  service  among  the  nations,  and  abide  our  God  and 
Father  evermore.     Amen. 

*     *     * 

God  of  our  fathers,  whose  mercies  have  not  failed 
us  in  any  time  of  need,  accept  now  the  tribute  of  our 
hearts'  thanksgiving  for  thy  guardian  love  and  care. 
For  plenteous  harvests  gathered  in  our  fields;  for 
the  increase  of  our  flocks  and  the  fruits  of  our 
orchards;  for  joy  and  comfort  in  our  homes  and  all 
kindly  social  relations;  for  blessings  innumerable 
which  have  crowned  the  year  with  good;  for  hopes 
of  the  future  and  sacred  memories  of  the  past;  for 
the  light  of  thy  Word  and  the  teaching  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit  —  blessed  be  thou,  0  Lord  our  God!  Let 
the  thoughts  and  affections  of  this  day  lead  us 
through  childlike  faith  to  larger  light  and  knowledge 
of  thy  will.     Hear  us,  our  Father,  for  thine  own 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     297 

love's  sake  and,  if  it  please  thee,  renew  our  blessings 
year  by  year  And  unto  thee  be  praise  evermore. 
Amen. 


Come  Lord,  as  Giver  and  most  welcome  Guest 
to  our  Thanksgiving  feast!  Make  gladness  and 
gratitude  abound  in  our  hearts  and  homes,  and  still 
the  voice  of  complaint  and  discontent.  We  thank 
thee  that  thou  hast  crowned  the  year  with  thy  good- 
ness and  bestowed  innumerable  blessings  upon  us. 
For  all  thy  tender  mercies  we  praise  thee:  but  most 
of  all  for  the  unspeakable  Gift  by  whose  life  and 
death  we  are  brought  near  to  thee,  and  for  the  Holy 
Spirit's  presence  in  our  hearts.  We  bless  thee  for 
the  communion  of  saints,  for  the  written  Word  and 
for  opportunities  of  service.  Thou  hast  made  our 
human  affections  interpreters  of  thine  own  love; 
help  us  to  make  the  most  of  them  in  sympathy  and 
patience.  Thou  hast  enriched  our  nation  with 
great  lives  and  large  prosperity;  abide  thou  in  our 
midst  for  righteousness.  Bless  every  soul  with 
growing  strength  of  faith,  that  we  may  serve  thee 
gladly  here  and  in  the  dwelling-place  of  our  eternal 
life.    Amen. 


Forefathers'  Day 

Merciful  God,  whose  works  are  seen  among  the 
nations  of  the  earth,  we  thank  thee  for  the  good 
inheritance  of  our  own  land.  We  bless  thee  that 
thou  didst  sustain  our  fathers  on  the  sea  and  keep 
for  them  a  safe  abode  amid  the  perils  of  an  unknown 
shore.    We  praise  thee  for  the  good  example  of  their 


298     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

constant  faith.  Thou  who  hast  made  them  a 
multitude  and  leavened  a  continent  with  their 
thought,  teach  us  to  follow  in  the  path  of  their 
obedience  and  to  carry  forward  the  work  to  which 
thou  hast  called  us  in  the  same  spirit  of  manly 
faith  and  patience.  Leave  us  not,  0  God  of  our 
salvation,  lest  we  prove  unworthy  of  our  fathers' 
hope.  Let  thy  presence  go  with  us,  and  with  our 
children  while  the  earth  remains  for  labor  and  for 
reward.  Pardon  our  sins  according  to  thy  loving- 
kindness  revealed  in  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.  En- 
large our  inheritance  through  faith  and  righteous- 
ness. And  be  thou  our  God  and  Father  evermore. 
Amen. 

Christinas 

0  God  our  Father,  Giver  of  the  most  loving 
Gift,  make  us  partakers  of  thy  joy  at  Christmas 
time.  We,  too,  with  simple  shepherds  and  the  mse 
men  come  to  bend  the  knee  before  the  kingly  Child, 
bringing  our  gifts  of  faith  and  love  in  true  self- 
offering.  Show  us  our  way  of  service  and  give  us 
willing  hearts  to  walk  therein.  For  motherhood  and 
childhood,  for  love  that  gives  and  learns  we  bring 
thee  thanks.  Have  mercy  upon  wives  and  mothers 
in  distress  and  children  fatherless.  Hasten  the 
coming  of  thy  Kingdom!  Bring  an  end  of  war  and 
give  the  shaping  of  the  world  to  men  of  good  will. 
Teach  our  hearts  how  to  make  ready  for  that  age  of 
peace.  In  the  name  of  Christ,  who  loved  us  and 
gave  himself  for  us.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     299 

0  Thou  by  whom  good  cheer  comes  to  the  hearts 
of  men,  we  thank  thee  for  thy  gift  of  the  Child  Jesus, 
our  brother  in  the  Hfe  of  earth,  the  Son  of  God  and 
Son  of  Man;  and  for  all  the  happy  memories  of 
Christmas  time.  Let  aU  our  thoughts  be  kind  and 
all  our  hopes  such  as  thou  canst  bless.  Let  there 
be  peace  in  our  hearts  and  good  will  toward  all. 
Teach  us  to  find  in  friends  and  neighbors  the  brothers 
and  sisters  of  our  Lord,  to  rejoice  in  their  prosperity, 
and  help  them  in  their  time  of  need.  So  bring  us 
Christmas  joy,  and  help  us  to  be  light-bearers  in 
the  darkness  of  the  world.  So  let  us  go  with  singing 
hearts  along  our  way,  and  to  thy  name  be  praise. 
Amen. 

In  Illness 

Thou  hast  been  my  confidence  in  health,  0  God, 
forsake  me  not  now  that  my  strength  faileth. 
Though  my  heart  is  faint  by  reason  of  the  weakness 
of  the  flesh,  and  mine  eyes  are  dim  with  shadows  of 
pain:  yet  in  thee  do  I  put  my  trust.  Send  healing, 
if  it  please  thee,  and  may  I  use  returning  strength 
for  better  service.  Let  not  courage  fail  in  suffering 
and  in  hours  of  weakness  keep  my  heart  from  doubt. 
Let  me  bear  witness  to  thy  love  by  cheerful  patience. 
Take  away  all  fear  of  death  and  let  me  with  a  quiet 
heart  resign  myself  entirely  to  thy  will.  Care  thou 
for  those  I  love  and  reward  aU  who  minister  to  my 
comfort  and  my  need.  Help  me  to  forgive  those 
who  have  sinned  against  me  and  pardon  thou  my 
transgressions.  In  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  who 
shared  our  infirmities  and  suffered  for  our  sins. 
Amen. 


300     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

For  Grace  in  Old  Age 

0  God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  whose  gift  is 
length  of  days,  help  us  to  make  the  noblest  use  of 
mind  and  body  in  our  advancing  years.  According 
to  our  strength  apportion  thou  our  work.  As  thou 
hast  pardoned  our  transgressions,  sift  the  ingather- 
ings of  our  memory  that  evil  may  grow  dim  and  good 
may  shine  forth  clearly.  We  bless  thee  for  thy 
gifts  and  especially  for  thy  presence  and  the  love  of 
friends  in  heaven  and  earth.  Grant  us  new  ties  of 
friendship,  new  opportunities  of  service,  joy  in  the 
growth  and  happiness  of  children,  sympathy  with 
those  who  bear  the  burdens  of  the  world,  clear 
thought  and  quiet  faith.  Teach  us  to  bear  infirmi- 
ties with  cheerful  patience.  Keep  us  from  narrow 
pride  in  outgrown  ways,  blind  eyes  that  will  not 
see  the  good  of  change,  impatient  judgments  of  the 
methods  and  experiments  of  others.  Let  thy  peace 
rule  our  spirits  through  all  the  trial  of  our  waning 
powers.  Take  from  us  all  fear  of  death,  and  all 
despair  or  undue  love  of  life;  that  with  glad  hearts 
at  rest  in  thee  we  may  await  thy  will  concerning  us, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Public  Meetings  and  Conventions 

Fulfill,  0  Lord,  thine  own  desire  that  thy  children 
should  be  one  in  faith  and  hope  and  love.  Let 
their  witness  to  the  world  be  clear  in  brotherly 
affection  and  helpful  fellowship  of  service.  When 
they  come  together  in  thy  name  to  consider  op- 
portunities of  work  for  thee,  let  the  teaching  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  be  their  guide.     EnUghten  their  minds 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     301 

and  purify  their  hearts,  that  misunderstandings, 
jealousies  and  disHkes  may  give  place  to  joy  in  the 
common  work  and  calling  of  the  Holy  Church  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Especially,  we  beseech  thee, 
enrich  with  blessing  this  gathering  of  thy  servants. 
Crown  their  work  with  success  and  let  thy  wisdom 
appear  in  their  deliberations,  to  the  glory  of  thy 
Holy  Name.    Amen. 


Great  Head  of  the  universal  church,  whose 
presence  is  our  joy  and  crown  and  whose  Spirit 
guides  us  onward  into  truth,  we  bless  thee  for  the 
loving  fellowship,  uplifting  thought  and  helpful 
opportunities  of  these  days  of  counsel  and  fraternal 
joy.  Blessed  be  thou,  who  hast  put  it  into  the 
hearts  of  thy  servants  to  speak  good  words  and  hast 
enabled  multitudes  to  hear  and  profit.  We  thank 
thee  that  in  our  meeting  thou  hast  also  come  as 
guest  and  friend.  Maj^  the  blessing  of  thy  presence 
work  for  truth  and  righteousness  in  this  community. 
So  guide  our  hearts  that  the  good  seed  may  spring 
up  and  bring  forth  fruit  to  thy  glory;  so  guard  our 
minds  that  no  misunderstanding  or  false  view  of 
truth  may  lead  us  from  the  way.  Enable  us  in  our 
home-going  to  share  the  good  which  thou  hast  sent 
with  those  who  in  our  absence  have  carried  burdens 
for  us,  or  been  busy  in  the  quiet  work  of  every  day 
for  thee.  Give  us  fresh  strength  for  duty,  simpler 
faith  and  an  enlarging  hope.  Thou  art  our  King, 
0  Christ,  and  all  is  of  thee  in  teaching  and  in  life. 
Bless  abundantly  thy  churches.  Help  them  to 
bear  true  witness  to  thy  name  and  to  manifest  thy 
glory  in  the  life  of  faith.    Amen. 


302     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

For  the  President 

0  God,  in  whose  hands  are  the  hearts  of  all  the 
rulers  of  the  earth,  give  grace,  we  beseech  thee,  to 
thy  servant  the  President  [elect]  of  these  United 
States,  that  he  may  always  do  thy  will  in  righteous- 
ness. Let  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  be  acceptable 
in  thy  sight,  and  all  his  choices  and  decisions  as 
chief  magistrate  serve  thy  glory  and  the  nation's 
strength.  Give  him  health,  clear  vision,  steady 
purpose,  courage  of  will;  and  in  thy  lovingkindness 
use  his  work  for  prosperity.  Give  wisdom  to  his 
counsellors.  Keep  from  us,  if  it  please  thee,  famine, 
plague,  and  war,  with  all  wickedness  and  civil 
strife.  Preserve  among  the  people  reverence  for 
law  and  cheerful  obedience  to  all  rightful  authority. 
Guide  us,  our  fathers'  God!  that  we  may  hand  down 
our  inheritance  of  liberty  and  power  unmarred  by 
folly  to  our  children.  And  thine  shall  be  the  praise. 
Amen. 

In  Time  of  War 

0  God,  in  whom  our  fathers  trusted,  be  with  us 
in  our  time  of  trial  and  our  new  endeavor  to  rebuild 
the  world  in  righteousness.  Let  not  sorrow  or 
excitement  teach  our  hearts  to  hate  or  turn  us  from 
ideals  of  love  and  brotherhood  learned  in  companion- 
ship with  Christ.  Make  us  steadfast,  patient,  un- 
changeable in  purpose  and  in  hope.  Lord,  in  thy 
mercy  shorten  the  days!  but  bring  about  through 
sacrifice  freedom  and  righteousness  and  a  final  end 
of  cruelty  and  war.  Remember  the  sorrowing. 
Strengthen  our  hearts  as  we  send  forth  those  we  love 
and  sustain  us  in  all  experience  of  grief  and  loss. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     303 

Teach  thy  Church  what  thou  intendest  in  this  time 
of  change  and'  make  thy  people  a  leaven  of  faith 
and  love  in  all  the  earth.  Remember  thy  servant, 
our  President,  and  those  who  counsel  with  him, 
the  makers  of  laws,  the  leaders  of  our  armies.  Be 
with  us  as  we  serve  the  nation's  need  in  home  and 
farm  and  factory;  with  sailors  in  perils  of  the  deep, 
with  soldiers  in  training  and  temptation  and  in  the 
day  of  battle;  with  doctors  and  nurses  in  all  their 
ministry  to  suffering.  Give  us,  if  it  please  thee, 
bountiful  harvests,  that  we  may  eat  with  thankful 
hearts  and  feed  the  hungry  of  the  world.  Deepen 
the  faith  of  Christians  in  new  experience  with  thee. 
In  all  thou  sendest  let  thy  kingdom  come  —  in  the 
life  of  nations,  in  the  hearts  of  men,  through  a  new 
brotherhood  of  all  believers,  through  the  glory  and 
rule  of  Christ.    In  his  name.    Amen. 


0  Lord  of  Hosts,  in  whose  hands  are  all  the  coun- 
sels and  events  of  earth,  in  this  hour  of  our  nation's 
trial  we  appeal  to  thee.  In  war  and  battle  may  we 
always  be  the  instruments  of  thy  judgment  and  thy 
righteousness.  Grant  us  deliverance  from  disaster, 
and,  if  it  please  thee,  glorious  and  enduring  victory. 
Bless  especially  with  grace  and  wisdom  thy  servant, 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  the  commander 
of  our  armies.  Preserve  our  ships  upon  the  sea 
and  our  soldiers  on  the  shore.  Purify  our  nation's 
life  that  we  may  be  more  worthy  of  thy  favor.  Keep 
our  hearts  from  pride  and  cruelty  and  our  lips  from 
boasting.  Let  us  not  go  forth  to  battle  as  those  who 
are  greedy  of  gain  or  honor,  not  in  hatred  or  in 
love  of  strife,  but  in  desire  of  justice  and  as  helpers 


304     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

of  the  weak.  In  all  experiences  through  which 
thou  makest  us  to  pass  may  the  assurance  of  thy 
rule  in  the  affairs  of  men  be  our  confidence  and 
consolation.  Remember  the  wounded  and  the  sick 
and  those  who  are  appointed  to  die,  and  make  them 
sharers  of  thy  kingdom.  Strengthen  us  for  all 
endurance,  and  especially  sustain  and  comfort  those 
who  mourn  for  the  dead.  Deny  us  not  thy  swift 
decision,  in  mercy  both  to  us  and  to  our  enemies. 
And  may  the  coming  of  thy  kingdom  bring  all 
cruelties  and  jealousies,  all  strife  and  hatred,  to  a 
speedy  and  eternal  end,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord !    Amen. 

In  Times  of  Change 

Give  us,  0  Lord,  a  forward-looking  faith  that  we 
may  never  be  disheartened  by  changes  and  over- 
turnings  in  the  earth.  Amid  wars  and  tumults, 
make  us  confident  in  the  triumph  of  thy  purpose 
and  the  coming  of  thy  peace.  Deliver  the  nations, 
we  beseech  thee,  from  hate  and  cruelty  and  from  the 
sufferings  of  war.  Have  pity  upon  thy  children, 
who  are  so  ready  and  so  quick  to  kill  and  rob  one 
another.  Show  us  the  evil  of  our  hearts  and  make 
us  in  love  with  neighborliness.  Lord,  how  long 
shall  nation  rise  against  nation  and  hatred  rule! 
Work  a  great  deliverance  and  bring  in  Christ's 
reign  of  peace.  Teach  us,  also,  we  entreat  thee,  to 
be  strong  in  the  midst  of  these  shifting  and  destroy- 
ing currents  of  the  age,  confident  in  thy  control  and 
patient  to  endure  until  thy  will  is  clear.  So  to  thy 
care  we  commit  the  future  years,  with  quiet  hearts, 
in  faith  and  confidence.  In  tlie  name  of  Christ. 
Amen. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS     305 

Soldiers'  Prayers 
For  the  Nation  and  the  World 

Remember,  0  my  Father,  the  nation  that  I  love, 
in  whose  cause  I  have  given  myself  for  life  or  death. 
I  thank  thee  for  those  who  have  gone  before  me  in 
this  service,  by  whose  faith  and  steadfast  courage 
the  nation  hitherto  has  been  made  strong.  Give 
me  like  faith  and  strength  and  let  my  name  be  writ- 
ten in  remembrance  before  thee.  Make  all  the 
people  faithful  in  that  which  they  have  undertaken 
in  thy  service  for  the  need  of  the  world.  Remember 
with  guidance  and  upholding  thy  servant  the  Presi- 
dent, and  all  who  work  and  counsel  with  him;  the 
leaders  of  our  armies;  and  all  who  work  and  serve 
on  land  or  sea.  Accomplish  thou  that  purpose  to 
which  we  have  set  our  hands  in  thy  name;  and 
bring  us  peace  in  thy  time,  0  Lord.  Rebuild  our 
world  in  righteousness,  knitting  new  ties  of  brother- 
hood, fulfilling  ancient  hopes  in  the  coming  of  thy 
kingdom.  In  the  name  of  Christ,  the  righteous 
judge,  lover  and  brother  of  us  all.    Amen. 

Before  Going  into  Action 

Father  in  heaven,  long-suffering  and  compas- 
sionate, God  of  Justice,  Lord  of  Hosts,  I  give  my 
life  into  thy  hands,  a  weapon  for  thy  using.  Let  it 
not  be  thrown  away,  with  all  its  hopes  and  loves  and 
opportunities,  but  take  it  as  an  offering  for  thy 
purposes  of  justice  and  brotherhood  on  earth. 
Guide  the  thoughts  of  those  who  plan  the  battle. 
Remember  my  comrades  of  the  ranks.  Keep  us 
and  arm  us  with  steadfast  and  adventurous  hearts 
and,  if  it  please  thee,  give  us  the  victory  we  desire. 


306     PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

Remember  in  lovingkindness  all  whom  I  love,  up- 
holding and  delivering  them ;  and  bring  us  together 
at  last,  whether  through  life  or  death.  Into  thy 
hands  I  commit  my  spirit.  Thy  will  be  done  on 
earth  as  it  is  in  heaven,  thy  kingdom  come.  In  the 
name  of  Christ,  who  gave  himself  up  for  our  de- 
liverance, even  unto  death.    Amen. 


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